Golden Apple for Tarsus – The Birthplace of Saint Paul
The purpose of the FIJET Golden Apple Awards is to show appreciation to those who support sustainable tourism, preserve local cultural heritage, and contribute to improving the quality of life for local communities. Another key goal is to discover and promote new destinations to invite global travelers.
A prime example is Tarsus – a relatively lesser-known but impressive city in Türkiye, located in the Mersin province. It was awarded the FIJET Golden Apple for its exceptional synergy of natural, historical, and traditional heritage, which significantly supports the region’s sustainable tourism development.
The Golden Apple was presented to Tarsus during a grand ceremony held in Saint Paul Square. The award was accepted by the Mayor of Tarsus, Ali Boltaç, and presented by FIJET President Tijani Haddad, in the presence of officials, sponsors, and members of the Executive Committee of the World Federation.
At the gala dinner following the award ceremony, many distinguished guests attended. The event featured performances by violinist Anna Miadzvedzeva, kanun virtuoso Ahmet Baran and his orchestra. Maestro Bruno Santori and the Mediterranean Orchestra also performed on stage, accompanied by Turkish musicians.
The event was attended by FIJET members from Bulgaria, Croatia, France, the United States, and Türkiye.
SISTER CITY AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH PALAZZOLO
A sister city protocol was signed between Tarsus Municipality and Palazzolo Acreide, Italy. Defining Tarsus as a world city, Tarsus Mayor Ali Boltaç said, "Tarsus is an ancient city with a history of 10 thousand years, a city that has hosted many civilizations and bears the traces of important personalities such as Saint Paul. We once again felt this rich heritage in the historical streets we visited with you. Here, the Companions of the Muslims, St. Paul of the Christians, and the Prophet Daniel of the Jews are together. In addition to its historical texture, Tarsus is a city that really makes a difference with its unique cuisine and the friendly and hospitable people of the Mediterranean. In line with this cultural richness and common values, we are very happy to sign the sister city protocol with Palazzolo Acreide today."
STATEMENTS AND SPEECHES AT THE CEREMONY
Ali Boltac, the City Mayor
Continuing his speech by expressing his belief that the Golden Apple Award will bring good luck to Tarsus, Mayor Boltaç said, "With this award, the real estate sector will be strengthened, industrial activities will increase, and our gastronomy sector will revive. Together, we will build the tourism destination Tarsus. Our city, which was only a transit route in the past, will now be a stopping point and a discovery point. We will exhibit the Golden Apple award at the most beautiful point of our city."
Stating that he will always strive for Tarsus, Mayor Boltaç said, "I am the Mayor of every living thing in Tarsus. It is our duty to manage this city together and to carry it to the future together. I will stand in front of anyone who betrays this city. It is our common responsibility to leave Tarsus to future generations in a stronger way. I would like to thank all my teammates in the municipality for showing that this is a team work, what one hand can do and what two hands can achieve. With our unity and solidarity, no obstacle can stand in our way."
Tijani Haddad, the Fijet President
Tijani Haddad, Chief Executive Officer of the World Federation of Tourism Writers and Journalists (FIJET), said: "I am delighted to be here. I would like to thank our Mayor Ali Boltaç. He has worked hard in this sense. They took an active action and won FIJET's Golden Apple award. This award is given every year to associations and cities working in the field of tourism. We especially give this award to cities that respect nature, respect culture, and respect artifacts inherited from ancient civilizations."
Huseyin Kurtogullari, TYGD-Fijet Turkiye Board of Directors Member
Speaking on the meaning and importance of the day, Hüseyin Kurtoğulları, Member of the Board of Directors of FIJET Turkey, said, "Paul's stop before going to Rome was Palazzolo Acreide. At the request of my president and with your testimony here, we will declare these two cities as sister cities." Then the Consul of Italy Domenico Romeo expressed his thanks.
Mayor Serdal Gökayaz, MMU Deputy Mayor
Emphasizing the importance of Tarsus, Mersin Metropolitan Municipality (MMU) Deputy Mayor Serdal Gökayaz said, "I would like to convey the greetings and love of our Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mr. Vahap Seç. We believe that Tarsus will take its rightful place in the world."
Tarsus District Governor Mehmet Ali Akyüz, Tarsus District Governor
Tarsus District Governor Mehmet Ali Akyüz said, "I am happy that the Golden Apple award was given to our city. I would like to thank our association very much. I wish our 10-thousand-year-old ancient city to gain the value it deserves in tourism."
Delal Atamdere, Fijet V.P.
FİJET Vice President Delal Atamdede wished the Golden Apple award to be beneficial to the city and said, "Turkey is the country that has been deemed worthy of the most Golden Apple among the countries in the world. A great honor for tourism. I wish this award to be beneficial. Hopefully, this award will make great contributions to our city in the economic, tourism and social fields."
Dossier
Tarsus — Crossroads of Civilizations
Tarsus is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history spanning over 10,000 years. Located in the Mersin province of southern Türkiye, this ancient city has served as a cultural and spiritual center through the ages. It has been home to many great civilizations — the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
Tarsus is famously known as the birthplace of Saint Paul, one of the most influential figures in Christianity. This makes the city a key destination for religious and spiritual tourism.
Must See:
- Saint Paul’s Well. Believed to be located in the courtyard of Saint Paul’s family home, this is a sacred site for Christian pilgrims.
- Roman Road. A remarkably well-preserved stone-paved road from the Roman era, running through the heart of the city.
- Tarsus Waterfall. A scenic natural waterfall believed to be the camping site of Alexander the Great before his Persian campaign.
- Tomb of the Prophet Daniel. A revered site for both Christians and Muslims, said to be the final resting place of the Biblical prophet Daniel.
- Saint Paul Church. A 19th-century church now functioning as a museum and cultural center, dedicated to the Apostle Paul.
- Kubeli Han Caravanserai. A historical Ottoman inn that once hosted traders and travelers along the Silk Road.
- Justinian Bridge / Cleopatra’s Gate. An ancient Roman archway believed to be where Cleopatra entered the city to meet Mark Antony.
