Besides being the birthplace of the Apostle Paul (see Acts 21:39 and 22:3), Tarsus figures in with prior recorded history several times. For instance, it was the site of Marc Antony's entertainment in 38 BCE of Cleopatra (VII Philopator), ruler of Egypt. The only surviving gate from the Hellenistic-Roman city is now called "Cleopatra's Gate," though it probably dates to the second century CE. The arched gate has suffered badly from the ravages of the centuries. Recently the city of Tarsus had "Cleopatra's Gate" partially refaced with new stone, a tragedy for visitors of antiquarian interest, who would much rather examine the ancient stone blocks that are now covered over. Fortunately, the sides are still exposed.

"Cleopatra's Gate" is in the center of a traffic circle at the intersection of Ismet Pasa Boulevard and 3522 Street. The city wall of which it was originally a part, along with the other city gates, are long gone.

Want to go deeper?

The following are recommended to help you look deeper into the history and archaeology of Tarsus.

Recommended for purchase:

Claude E. Fant & Mitchell G. Reddish – A Guide to Biblical Sites in Greece and Turkey (Oxford, 2003). – Nearly two-thirds of the New Testament, including all the letters of Paul, most of Acts, and the Book of Revelation, are set in either Turkey or Greece. This book serves as a historical, biblical, and archaeological guide to most of these biblical sites, including Tarsus. View excerpt

Todd Bolen – CD-ROM: Turkey: Pictorial Library of Bible Lands (2004) – Series is most complete collection of high resolution Bible Land images available... perfect for worship, class study, or personal Bible study! Highest quality available. This CD features more than 700 high-resolution digitized images, including Tarsus, but also: Cities of Paul's Journeys (Antioch on the Orontes, Seleucia, Pisidian Antioch, Lystra and Derbe, Colossae, Hierapolis, Assos, Alexandria Troas, and Miletus); seven churches of Revelation: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea; plus Istanbul, Cappadocia, Priene, and Troy.

John Mandeville. Turkey Travel Pack with Pull-out Map (4th ed., 2007). – Pocket-sized guide packed with useful information, tips, and recommendations, accompanied by color photographs, charts and maps for the first-time traveller who wants to experience the major highlights that Turkey has to offer. Incorporates essential information in an easy-to-carry and easy-to-read format. Fold-out map of Turkey plus 7 area maps, 4 site plans, and 10 town plans.

Langenscheidt. Insight Compact Guide: Turkey (Langenscheidt Publ. Group). – Compact Guide Turkey includes chapter detailing Turkey's history and culture, 13 tours, cultural and leisure-time suggestions, and a comprehensive information section packed with essential contact addresses and numbers. Plus around 170 quality photographs and maps. 104 pages, paperback.

Ekrem Akurgal – Ancient Civilizations and Ruins of Turkey: From Prehistoric Times Until the End of the Roman Empire (Haset Kirabevi, 1985). | cheaper, earlier edition – Akurgal was the archaeologist in charge of the excavation of the original Smyrna at Bayrakli.

Online resources:

Wikipedia – "Tarsus (city)"

Photo's of "Cleopatra's Gate" – View from southwest | From northeast | Appearance before "improvements" | Detail of stones left uncovered

Dick Osseman's photo gallery of Tarsus – Photos of Tarsus

Andys Basten's photo gallery of Tarsus – First photo (keep clicking on "Next" for slideshow)

Burak Sansal. [History of] Cilicia – Sansal is a Turkish professional tour guide.