The Old Mosque, Tarsus — a church dating from 1102 featuring frescoes of Christ

Mersin AttractionsThe Old Mosque, Tarsus — a church dating from 1102 featuring frescoes of Christ

The Old Mosque, Tarsus — a Crusader church transformed into a minaret of the East

In the very heart of Old Tarsus, on the main street of the ancient city, stands a building in which a millennium of history is condensed into a single facade. The Old Mosque of Tarsus is a former church built in 1102 during the First Crusade, when the Normans recaptured the city from the Seljuks. Legend has it that the church was dedicated to the Apostle Paul—a native of Tarsus and one of the principal apostles of Christianity. In 1415, Ahmet Bey of the Ramazanoğlu dynasty converted the church into a mosque, giving the building a second spiritual life. The Old Mosque in Tarsus, or Kilise Cami—"Church Mosque"—still preserves frescoes on its ceiling depicting Jesus and the four evangelists: a silent testimony to the life that once existed here.

History and Origin of the Old Mosque, Tarsus

Tarsus is one of the oldest cities in Asia Minor, located in the province of Mersin on the Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey. Over the millennia, it passed from hand to hand: Achaemenid Persia, Hellenism, Rome, Byzantium, the Arab caliphates, the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, the Seljuks, the Crusaders, the Ramazanoğlu, the Mamluks, and the Ottoman Empire. Each of these rulers left their mark on the city’s fabric, and the building of the present-day Old Mosque is a living embodiment of these layers.

In 1102, when the city was under the control of the First Crusade’s forces, a church was erected on this site. According to legend, it was consecrated in the name of Saint Paul—who was born in Tarsus itself. It should be noted that this church should not be confused with another Tarsus landmark—the 19th-century Church of St. Paul, which is often mistaken for the same structure.

A notable event took place in 1198: at that time, Tarsus was part of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. In this very church, the first Armenian king, Levon I of the Rubenid dynasty, was crowned—Cardinal Konrad von Wittelsbach, representing the Pope, placed the crown upon his head on behalf of the Holy See.

In 1359, Tarsus passed to the Turkish Ramazanoğlu dynasty, and in 1415, the ruler Ahmet Bey (reigned 1383–1416) converted the church into a mosque, adding a minaret. The building has been known by several names: Eski Cami (“Old Mosque”), Kilise Camii (“Church Mosque”), and Baytemür Camii. Documented restorations took place in 1868 and 1900; the most recent renovation was completed in 2007.

Architecture and What to See

The Old Mosque in Tarsus covers an area of 460 square meters, including the adjacent courtyard. The interior dimensions of the building are 19.3 × 17.5 meters; the width of the nave is 12.6 meters. It is a relatively small but richly detailed structure that clearly reflects its Gothic origins.

Facade and Entrance

The main entrance is located on the west side. The façade is decorated with blind arches—relief arched niches without openings: a characteristic element of Gothic architecture. At the entrance are two alabaster half-columns. Granite half-columns are located on the south and north walls of the nave; they were likely made from building materials salvaged from earlier structures that once stood here.

Roof and Structure

Externally, the building is covered by a gable roof—not a dome. This is a surviving feature of the original Gothic basilica: the Crusaders built according to Western European canons, where hipped and gable roofs were the norm.

Ceiling frescoes

The main historical value of the interior lies in the ceiling frescoes. Jesus Christ is depicted in the central part of the ceiling; flanking him are the four evangelists: John and Matthew to the east, Mark and Luke to the west. These paintings are a direct legacy of church life in the 12th–14th centuries. The fact that they survived the conversion of the church into a mosque is a true rarity and a historically significant precedent of the coexistence of Christian and Muslim heritage in a single space.

Minaret and Bell Tower

The building has two vertical focal points: the minaret in the southwest corner—an addition from the Ramazanoğlu era—and the old bell tower in the northeast corner—a relic of the church’s history. The duality of these two towers creates a tangible image of the building’s spiritual history.

Mihrab and Adaptation to Islamic Culture

A mihrab—a niche that guides worshippers toward Mecca—was added to the south wall. Thus, the building acquired a layout characteristic of an “ulu cami” (cathedral mosque), while retaining its original rectangular structure.

Interesting Facts and Legends

  • In 1102, when the church was built, Tarsus was part of the First Crusade’s territory. The Norman troops of Tancred of Galilee occupied part of Cilicia; the presence of the Crusaders explains the Gothic character of the architecture—which has Western European roots.
  • In 1198, the coronation of Levon I—the first king of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia—took place in this building. Cardinal Conrad von Wittelsbach, Archbishop of Mainz, placed the crown upon his head on behalf of the pope, and later the German emperor also sent a symbolic crown. This coronation transformed the Armenian state into a recognized European kingdom.
  • The building combines Christian and Islamic elements that were not destroyed but coexist: Gothic arches, granite columns, ceiling frescoes depicting Christ and the Evangelists—and a mihrab, a minaret, and a functioning mosque. Such an overlap of eras is an architectural rarity.
  • The name “Baytemür Camii,” found in historical sources, may be linked to the name of the person who oversaw one of the restorations. The exact origin of this name has not yet been determined.
  • The mosque is located within walking distance of other historical monuments in Tarsus: the 19th-century Church of St. Paul, St. Paul’s Well, and other sites associated with the city’s apostolic heritage.

How to get there

Tarsus is located 30 kilometers east of Mersin and 65 kilometers west of Adana. The nearest airport is Adana (ADA). Regular buses and minibuses run from Adana to Tarsus; the trip takes about 45 minutes. From Mersin, it takes approximately 30–40 minutes by bus or dolmuş.

The mosque is located in the center of Tarsus, on the main historic street. GPS: 36.9178° N, 34.8978° E. It is about a 15-minute walk from the Tarsus bus station. Most of Tarsus’s attractions are within walking distance, so once you arrive in the center, you can visit them all without needing additional transportation.

Tips for travelers

The mosque is open to visitors daily, and admission is free. Tourists are advised to visit outside of prayer times—this will allow you to explore the interior at your leisure and examine the ceiling frescoes. Women must wear a headscarf; shoes must be removed at the entrance.

Bring a flashlight or use your phone’s flashlight—the lighting inside is quite dim, and the ceiling frescoes require good light for a detailed view. A wide-angle lens or the “wide-angle” mode on your smartphone will help capture the entire interior space.

While in Tarsus, be sure to visit the nearby landmarks: St. Paul’s Church (Aziz Pavlus Kilisesi) with the Apostle’s Well, the Roman Cleopatra Gate, and the Tarsus Şelalesi waterfall cascade within the city limits. Tarsus is the birthplace of the Apostle Paul, so the entire historic district is steeped in biblical associations. For a more in-depth exploration, it’s best to set aside a full day. The Old Mosque in Tarsus is a rare monument where a Gothic basilica, an Armenian coronation site, and an Islamic place of worship are all combined in a single space, making it one of the most multifaceted historical sites in the entire Mediterranean region of Turkey.

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Frequently asked questions — The Old Mosque, Tarsus — a church dating from 1102 featuring frescoes of Christ Answers to frequently asked questions about The Old Mosque, Tarsus — a church dating from 1102 featuring frescoes of Christ. Information about the service's operation, capabilities, and use.
The Old Mosque (Kilise Camii) is a former 12th-century Crusader church that was converted into a mosque in 1415, while preserving the Christian frescoes on the ceiling: depictions of Jesus and the four evangelists. The building embodies Gothic architecture, Armenian history, and Islamic worship—a combination rarely found in a single space.
No, they are different sites. The Old Mosque is a church built in 1102, presumably consecrated in the name of Saint Paul by the Crusaders. Another monument in Tarsus—the Church of St. Paul (Aziz Pavlus Kilisesi)—was built in the 19th century and is located nearby. They are often confused, so it is important to know the difference.
In 1198, the coronation of Levon I—the first king of the Cilician Armenian Kingdom from the Rubenid dynasty—took place within the walls of this church. The crown was placed on his head by Cardinal Konrad von Wittelsbach, Archbishop of Mainz, on behalf of the Pope. This event transformed the Armenian state into a recognized European kingdom.
The building has retained both vertical elements of its history: the minaret in the southwest corner was added during the reign of Ramazanoglu in the 15th century, when the church was converted into a mosque, while the old bell tower in the northeast corner dates back to the original Christian structure. Their coexistence is a visible symbol of the building’s dual spiritual history.
Yes, the ceiling frescoes have been preserved: in the center is Jesus Christ, flanked by the four evangelists (John and Matthew to the east, Mark and Luke to the west). The lighting inside is rather dim, so it’s recommended to bring a flashlight or use your smartphone’s flashlight. A wide-angle lens will help you capture the entire ceiling.
Admission is free. The mosque is open to visitors every day. Tourists can explore the interior at any time, but it is best to avoid visiting during prayer times—this will allow you to admire the frescoes and architecture in peace and quiet.
Each of these names reflects a distinct aspect of the building’s history. Eski Cami means “Old Mosque” and refers to its age. Kilise Camii—“Church Mosque”—emphasizes the building’s dual nature. Baytemür Camii appears in historical sources and is presumably linked to the name of the person who oversaw one of the restorations, although the exact origin of this name has not been established.
The gable roof is a surviving feature of the original 12th-century Gothic basilica. The Crusaders built according to Western European architectural standards, where hipped and gable roofs were the norm. When the church was converted into a mosque, the roof structure was not altered, and it has survived to this day as direct evidence of the building’s Crusader origins.
It is recommended that you allow about 90 minutes for the mosque itself, allowing time for a detailed look at the frescoes, the exterior, and the architectural details. Since most of Tarsus’s attractions are within walking distance—St. Paul’s Church with the Apostle’s Well, Cleopatra’s Gate, and the Tarsus Şelalesi Waterfalls—it’s best to set aside a full day to fully explore the historic center.
The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). In summer, Tarsus experiences intense heat typical of southern Turkey’s Mediterranean region, which makes walking through the historic center less comfortable. In spring and fall, the weather is mild, and tourist traffic is significantly lower than during peak season.
Yes. You must remove your shoes at the entrance. Women must wear a headscarf—you can bring your own or sometimes receive one at the entrance. Clothing should be modest: shoulders and knees must be covered. It is best to postpone sightseeing during prayer times so as not to disturb those praying.
In 1102, during the First Crusade, Norman troops under the command of Tancred of Galilee controlled part of Cilicia, including Tarsus. It was during this period that a church in the Western European Gothic style was built on this site. The blind arches of the façade, the granite half-columns, and the gabled roof are clear traces of this Norman construction.
User manual — The Old Mosque, Tarsus — a church dating from 1102 featuring frescoes of Christ The Old Mosque, Tarsus — a church dating from 1102 featuring frescoes of Christ User Guide with a description of the main functions, features, and principles of use.
Plan your visit for spring (March–May) or fall (September–November): the weather is mild, it’s not too hot, and there are fewer tourists. In summer, Tarsus’s Mediterranean climate makes walking through the historic center exhausting. It’s best to set aside a full day for the trip—several significant monuments are concentrated around the mosque.
The nearest airport is Adana (ADA), 65 km to the east. From Adana, buses and minibuses to Tarsus take about 45 minutes. From Mersin (30 km to the west), it takes 30–40 minutes by bus or minibus. If you’re driving, head toward the center of Tarsus: most of the sights are within walking distance of the central bus station.
The mosque is located on the main historic street of Old Tarsus, GPS: 36.9178° N, 34.8978° E. It is about a 15-minute walk from the bus station. The building is easily recognizable by its gabled roof, which is atypical for mosques, and two vertical features—the minaret and the old bell tower.
Please remove your shoes before entering. Women must cover their heads with a scarf; all visitors must keep their shoulders and knees covered. Check the prayer times in advance and plan your visit so as not to coincide with prayer times: sightseeing is not permitted during these times. Admission is free.
Start by walking around the building from the outside. Note the west facade with its Gothic-style blind arches and alabaster half-columns at the entrance. Look for the two vertical structures: the 15th-century minaret in the southwest corner and the medieval bell tower in the northeast. The gabled roof instead of a dome is another sign of its Crusader origins.
Once inside, look up at the ceiling: in the center is a fresco depicting Jesus Christ, flanked by the four evangelists. The interior lighting is dim, so turn on your smartphone’s flashlight beforehand. The camera’s wide-angle mode will help you capture the entire ceiling. Also, take a look at the mihrab on the south wall and the granite half-columns along the perimeter.
After visiting the mosque, walk to the nearby landmarks: the 19th-century Church of St. Paul (Aziz Pavlus Kilisesi) with the Apostle’s Well, the Roman-era Cleopatra’s Gate, and the Tarsus Waterfalls. All these sites are within walking distance, so no additional transportation is needed. You can explore the entire historic center in a single day.