tarsus

Tarsus is a historic city in southern Turkey, serving as the administrative center of Tarsus District in Mersin Province. It lies on the Berdan River at the eastern edge of the Çukurova plain, some distance inland from the Mediterranean coast. Known for its long history, Tarsus has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and was a major city in the ancient region of Cilicia, passing through Hittite, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine rule. It was an important commercial and cultural center due to its location on land and sea routes connecting Anatolia with the Levant and southern Asia.

In the New Testament tradition, Tarsus is the birthplace of Paul the Apostle, also known as Paul of Tarsus, who lived there before traveling to spread early Christianity. The city and the surrounding region feature archaeological remains from various eras, illustrating its role as a metropolitan center in antiquity.

In present times, Tarsus is an urban hub within Mersin Province. It serves as a local center for trade and agriculture in the Çukurova region, with cotton, citrus, and other crops among its economic strengths. The urban core contains historic quarter zones and museums that reflect its multi-period heritage.