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Dishes you should try in Tarsus: Tarsus Kebabı and Tarsus Sarıulak Zeytinyağı (Tarsus Sarıulak olive oil). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Tarsus is famous for.

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Famous Dishes of Tarsus

  • Tarsus Kebabı

    Tarsus Kebabı was registered as a geographical indication on 17 September 2020 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 539). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Tarsus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

  • Tarsus Sarıulak Zeytinyağı (Tarsus Sarıulak olive oil)

    Tarsus Sarıulak Zeytinyağı was registered as a protected designation of origin on 25 May 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 767). Product group: solid and liquid oils, including butter. Registered by: Tarsus Commodity Exchange.

Dishes from Mersin Cuisine

What to eat in Mersin →

These dishes are known throughout Mersin province; see the provincial food guide for details.

  • Mersin Tantunisi (Mersin tantuni)

    A durum wrap with a registered geographical indication, in which minced meat cooked on a copper griddle is wrapped in lavaş.

  • Mersin Cezeryesi (carrot sweet)

    A confection made with carrots, with a registered geographical indication.

  • Mersin Kerebici (soapwort halva)

    A dessert served with its foam of soapwort (çöven), with a registered geographical indication.

  • Tarsus Humusu (Tarsus hummus)

    Hummus with a registered geographical indication.

  • Tarsus Şalgamı (Tarsus turnip-carrot drink)

    Şalgam juice with a registered geographical indication.

What to Buy in Tarsus: Local Products

  • Tarsus Beyazı Üzüm (Topacık) Tarsus Beyazı Üzüm (Topacık) was registered as a protected designation of origin on 14 June 2005 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 69). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables, and mushrooms. Registered by: Tarsus Municipality.
  • Tarsus Biberiyesi Tarsus Biberiyesi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 3 February 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1018). Product group: seasonings and flavourings for food, sauces and salt. Registered by: Tarsus Municipality and Tarsus Forest Management Directorate.
  • Tarsus Fındık Lahmacunu Tarsus Fındık Lahmacunu was registered as a protected geographical indication on 17 September 2020 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 538). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products and desserts. Registered by: Tarsus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • Tarsus Humusu Tarsus Humusu was registered as a protected geographical indication on 1 November 2017 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 226). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Tarsus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • Tarsus Sarıulak Zeytini (Tarsus Sarıulak olives) Tarsus Sarıulak Zeytini was registered as a protected designation of origin on 16 April 2018 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 345). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables, and mushrooms. Registered by: Tarsus Commodity Exchange.
  • Tarsus Şalgamı (Tarsus şalgam drink) Tarsus Şalgamı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 8 February 2007 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 84). Product group: non-alcoholic beverages. Registered by: Tarsus Municipality.
  • Tarsus Yayla Bandırması Tarsus Yayla Bandırması was registered as a protected geographical indication on 4 December 2008 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 105). Product group: chocolate, confectionery and related products. Registered by: Tarsus Municipality.

What Tarsus Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions

  • Saint Paul Heritage (Aziz Paulus Mirası)

    Tarsus is the birthplace of Saint Paul, one of the most important figures of Christianity. This makes the city of worldwide importance for Christian faith tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat in Tarsus?

Tarsus is known for 2 local dishes, above all Tarsus Kebabı and Tarsus Sarıulak Zeytinyağı (Tarsus Sarıulak olive oil). Tarsus Kebabı was registered as a geographical indication on 17 September 2020 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 539). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Tarsus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

What is Tarsus famous for?

Tarsus is known for Tarsus Kebabı, Tarsus Beyazı Üzüm (Topacık) and Saint Paul Heritage (Aziz Paulus Mirası). Its best-known sights include Tarsus Waterfall and Cleopatra's Gate (Kleopatra Kapısı).

What to buy in Tarsus?

Local products and souvenirs to buy in Tarsus include Tarsus Beyazı Üzüm (Topacık), Tarsus Biberiyesi, Tarsus Fındık Lahmacunu and Tarsus Humusu.

Tarsus Travel Guide

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