Mardin (Turkey) is a province located in the southeastern part of the country and includes the capital of the same name. Its area is 8,858 km2, and the population reaches more than 800 thousand inhabitants. The province is divided into 10 districts, one of which is the ancient city of Mardin, where almost 140 thousand people live today. It is located at the top of a hill, at an altitude of 1083 m above sea level, from where ancient houses and buildings descend in a picturesque cascade. In 1960, due to its indisputable cultural and historical value, the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming the second place after Venice to preserve its authentic appearance.
Located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, Mardin is considered one of the oldest cities in Upper Mesopotamia. Presumably, the first settlements here appeared in 4500 BC. e. Once on these lands lived, replacing each other, Sumerians, Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines and Seljuks. In the 4th century BC, Mardin submitted to Alexander the Great, but after the death of the commander, Persia took possession of the city.
Mardin was located at the intersection of the most important trade routes, including the Silk Road, and did not give rest to foreign invaders. For many centuries, the Roman Empire struggled with the Persians for its absolute dominance in the region, but only Byzantium managed to do this by the end of the 1st millennium. However, already in 1071, in the battle of Malazgirt, the Byzantines suffered a crushing defeat from the Seljuk troops, after which the latter opened the way to the expanses of all Anatolia. In 1517, Mardin became part of the Ottoman Empire.
Today, Mardin in Turkey is one of the most interesting cities in southeastern Anatolia. Its rich historical heritage can be seen in numerous architectural monuments, including monasteries, mosques, ancient ruins and madrasas. The interweaving of cultures and civilizations is reflected not only in the city’s architecture, but also in its multiethnic population. Once in the streets of Mardin, you will hear conversations in different languages, and among the locals you will meet Assyrians, Kurds, Arabs, Turks and Armenians. While exploring the cafes and restaurants, you will appreciate an incredible range of national dishes. But still, you should start exploring the city by visiting the sights – the most valuable historical monuments of Mardin.
Attractions
The city of Mardin in Turkey, whose photos can fascinate even the most sophisticated traveler, is filled with a unique authentic atmosphere. Once at the main attractions, you seem to find yourself in another dimension, not subject to the passage of time. Among the iconic objects of the city, first of all, it should be noted:
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
This is the oldest Syriac Orthodox monastery, built in 493 by a monk named Shleimun. It is believed that the structure was built on the site of the Syrian pagan temple of the moon god. The oldest room in the complex is more than 4,000 years old. Officially, the attraction is called the monastery of St. Ananias, but more often it is called Deirulzafaran. This name arose because of the unusual “saffron” color of the stones lining the building. Today, the temple serves not only as a spiritual monastery, but also as a school for orphans who study the language, culture and traditions of the Assyrian people here.
The monastery has preserved many ancient relics, as well as an underground sanctuary where pagans once held their rites. In addition, within the walls of the monastery there are tombs of the Syrian patriarchs who previously served in the temple. Two small churches and a chapel built in the 5th-6th centuries stand in the backyard of the complex. The attraction is located 10 km east of the city of Mardin.
- Address: Eskikale Mahallesi, Deyrulzafaran Yolu No: 1 D: 2, 47100 Artuklu, Mardin, Turkey.
- Opening hours: in summer, the monastery can be visited from 08: 30 to 17: 30, in winter months from 08: 30 to 16: 30 (from 12:00 to 13:00 break).
- Visit fee: 5 TL.
Ruins of the ancient city of Dara (Dara Mesopotamia Ruins)
Dara is one of the first cities built after the split of the Roman Empire. The ancient site was built in 505 by order of the Byzantine ruler Anastasius I. The city performed an important function in strengthening the eastern borders of the state. However, in the 7th century, during their conquests, the Arabs caused significant damage to Dara, and by the 10th century, almost all the inhabitants left it, and the city was completely deserted. Today, a tiny village is located on the territory of the ancient monument, where Kurds and Arabs mostly live.
The ruins of the ancient city cover a vast territory. Among the ruins, you can see buildings carved into the rocks and the remains of a fortress wall stretching for a distance of 4 km. There are also fragments of churches, palaces, markets and dungeons, and an ancient inner fortress stands on a hill at an altitude of 50 m. It will be interesting to explore the well-preserved cisterns and cemetery of the historical complex. There are still cave houses from the late Roman period around the village. Many of the relics found on the territory of Dara are now kept in the Mardin Museum. The attraction is located 35 km south-east of the city in the village of Oguz. You can visit it for free at any time.
- Address: Dara Mahallesi 47100 Artuklu, Mardin, Turkey.
Kaleici, Antalya: A Complete Guide to the Historic Heart of the City
Great Mosque of Mardin
The photo of Mardin in Turkey often shows a large old mosque – the main symbol of the city. Built in the 12th century, the monastery looks quite simple, but at the same time impressive. Some sources claim that the building was built on the site of a former Assyrian church. The structure is a prime example of the architectural style of that period and differs markedly from more modern Islamic temples. The mosque is decorated with one minaret (there is an opinion that initially there were 2 of them) and a miniature dome. The monastery is located on a mountainside, and if you climb the steps to the minaret, you will see a beautiful panorama of the plains of Mesopotamia.
- Address: Teker Mahallesi, 93. Sk. No: 18, 47100 Mardin Merkez, Mardin, Turkey.
- Opening hours: you can enter the mosque between prayers.
- Cost: free of charge.
Kasimiye Madrasha
The building of a former madrasah in the city of Mardin in Turkey also attracts genuine interest among tourists. Construction of the educational institution began in the 13th century, but was completed only by the end of the 14th century. The religious school functioned for more than 500 years, but in 1924, in the wake of the transformation of Turkey into a secular state, the school was closed. The architecture of the madrasah is designed in the typical Mardin style. This two-story structure, built of yellow stone, has a wide courtyard, and in its western part rises a small mosque. Inside the madrasah there are several notable objects — a mock-up of an ancient astrological clock with an elephant and a Sufi fountain. The attraction is located in the south-west of the city, you can visit it for free at any time.
- Address: Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, 1711. Sk., 47100 Artuklu, Mardin, Turkey.
Zinciriye Medresesi Madrasah
Often in the photo of Mardin you can see another very interesting object-the Zinjiriyeh madrasah. The construction of the structure dates back to the 14th century, it was initiated by Sultan Isa, whose tomb is still kept in the walls of the former school. The madrasa is located on a mountain slope, at the foot of the city fortress. It is a two-story structure with two carved domes, inside which there is a courtyard with a swimming pool. There is a legend that previously the domes were connected by a heavy chain, which is why the madrasah was named Zinciriye (translated from Turkish “zincir” means “chain”). Today, religious courses are held in the former school building. The madrasah is located in the center of Mardin, and admission is free.
- Address: Şar Mahallesi, 47100 Artuklu, Mardin, Turkey.
Accommodation in Mardin
Mardin in Turkey is not very popular with travelers, so the choice of housing in the city is rather poor. Nevertheless, there are several good hotels here, including the famous Hilton hotel chain. Among the presented establishments, you can find both budget options without stars, and more comfortable 4* and 5*hotels. Most of them are close to the city center, but there are also more remote hotels. So be sure to consider this criterion when choosing a home.
Prices for accommodation in Mardin depend on the class of your chosen institution. So, you can rent a room for two in a hotel without stars for an average of 170-250 TL per day. The most inexpensive option is 115 TL per night. Most establishments include breakfast in the price. It is worth noting that the prices for booking a double room in 4* hotels are slightly higher and range from 220-280 TL. There is also a five-star spa hotel in Mardin, offering accommodation for just 280 TL per night.
How to get
Mardin has its own airport, located 20 km from the city. Direct international flights are not provided here, so you can only get to the property by air from the largest cities of Turkey-Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. It is also possible to take a long-distance bus ride from these points, but in this case the road will take a lot of time.
The distance from Istanbul to Mardin is more than 1400 km, from Ankara-about 1000 km, from Izmir-1500 km. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines operate direct flights to Mardin daily from these cities. The flight from Istanbul takes about 2 hours, from Ankara-1.5 hours, from Izmir-just over 2 hours. Public transport from the airport to Mardin does not run, so you can only get to the center by taxi.
If you are considering such an option as a bus, then you can go to Mardin from many famous cities in Turkey-Antalya, Mersin, Konya, etc. Intercity transport arrives at the main bus station, from where you can get to the center by city minibuses. You can view prices and a detailed schedule of routes in a given direction on the website obilet.com.
Useful tips
- It is worth knowing that Mardin in Turkey has preserved a cruel tradition towards women. Therefore, when you are in the city, try to avoid any contact with them. First of all, this rule applies to male tourists.
- In Mardin, the cultivation and production of almonds is developed. Be sure to try this nut in blue glaze. Sweetness can be found in any store.
- The area is famous for its copper dishes and Mesopotamian wine, so they can be a great souvenir for you and your loved ones.
- Near the city of Mardin (Turkey) there are two more rather interesting sites-Midyat (70 km) and Hasankeyf (123 km) — with no less ancient sights. If time permits, make sure to visit these cities.
Fethiye Top 8 Resort Attractions for the Ultimate Getaway
