The Tarsus River and the Waterfall

The Tarsus River, which was called Kydnos in ancient times, was later named "Berdan", meaning cold water. The Berdan River, which plays an important role in the emergence of the Chukurova Delta with the alluviums it carries, is formed by streams originating from the southeastern slopes of the Middle Toros (Bolkar Mountains). The river, which has a total length of 142 km, draws wide springs in the plain of Tarsus before flowing into the Mediterranean, and has been influential in the preference of Tarsus as a settlement center in the historical process. When the bed was replaced by the Byzantine emperor Justinian (AD 527-565), it was actually used until the end of the Roman Period, and in the necropolis area it was converted into a large and high altar. As a result of this work to protect the city from flooding, today the water flowing from the conglomerate rocks, which are about 15 m high, reaches its maximum flow, especially in winter and spring, with the melting of the snow, turning into an impressive natural beauty 4 km north of the city.