Tarsus

Tarsus is a famous province of Icel city, which is in Mediterranean region, with its history, culture, art, commerce and natural beauties.

Roman Road in Tarsus by Dragos TUTA

As being a history and science center, serving to different religions for years, it was the interest center of the world.St. Paul, first disciple of Jesus Christ, Daniyal Prophet, Bilal - ı Habesi, muezzin of Hz. Muhammed, Harun Resid's son Caliph Ma'mun and famous philosopher of Antic Era, Aristo, descendant of doctors, Lokman Hekim, Egypt Queen, Cleopatra and Roman Commander, Antonius had lived in Tarsus.

History

Pre historical development of Tarsus is reaching to Neolithic Period. Neolithic Period is followed by Kalkeolitic, Early Bronze Age settlements. It is reigned by Hittite, Asur, Persia, Macedonia, Roman, Byzantium, Seljukian and Ottoman States.

Tarsus is an ancient city, on the alluvial plain of ancient Cilicia. It’s the birthplace of St. Paul. Excavations show that, with some interruptions, settlements had existed there from Neolithic to Islâmic times. Tarsus' prosperity between the 5th century BC and the Arab invasions in the 7th century AD was based primarily on its fertile soil, its commanding position at the southern end of the Cilician Gates (the only major pass in the Taurus Range), and the excellent harbour of Rhegma, which enabled Tarsus to establish strong connections with the Levant. The first historical record of Tarsus is its rebuilding by the Assyrian king Sennacherib (705–681 BC). Thereafter, Achaemenid and Seleucid rule alternated with periods of autonomy. In 67 BC Tarsus was absorbed into the new Roman province of Cilicia. The famous first meeting between Mark Antony and Cleopatra took place there in 41 BC. And of course Paul of Tarsus was born here. I found a fascinating representation of "him". During the Roman and early Byzantine periods, Tarsus was one of the leading cities of the Eastern Empire, with an economy based on agriculture and an important linen industry. Modern Tarsus continues to be a prosperous agricultural and cotton-milling centre.

Climate

In Tarsus, at the junction point of land and maritime ways connecting Cukurova to Central Anatolia in Mediterranean Region typical Mediterranean climate is dominant.