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City in Turkey
Photo: Elelicht, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tarsus is a city on the Çukurova or Cilician Plains of Mediterranean Turkey, with a population of 631,000 in 2022. It's modern and industrial, hosting the regional airport, but with a few antiquities. Its main interest to overseas travellers is as the birthplace of St Paul the Apostle.
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Ulu Cami
Built in its present form in 1579 (the Ramadanid era) over a 9th century predecessor - the Ramadanids were vassals of the Ottomans. Enter from the north via the marble gate; the clock tower is an odd feature. East side of the mosque are the tombs of Al Ma'mun a 9th century caliph, of Luqman for whom the 31st surah of the Quran is named, and (allegedly) of Seth the third son of Adam and Eve, in which case it's in remarkably good condition.
The first church was built here in 1102, but the present structure is from 1867. It's now only used as a church on special occasions.
Extensive museum opened in 2020 which takes a couple of hours to explore.
Pleasant central hotel in a 19th century mansion.
Beautifully restored Ottoman mansion. Once inside, you discover that the authentic Ottoman ambiance extends to the plumbing, pong of tobacco and attitudes to women.
Restored Ottoman mansion, clean and friendly.
Çukurova Airport (COV) 15 km east of town is the region's principal airport, replacing Adana which closed in 2024.
Read in the guideThe city sprawls but the main sights are within walking distance. You need a taxi to reach the waterfall.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Tarsus · International · COV
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