Journey Through Time: Mardin

Located in the Dicle section of the Southeastern Anatolia Region, Mardin is a captivating city known for its history, culture, and cuisine. One of the main reasons for Mardin's rich blend of these elements is the coexistence of various ethnic communities over the centuries. The city is a place where people of all religions can freely practice their faith, from mosques to churches, monasteries to synagogues.

Looking back at Mardin's history, one reason for its cultural richness and diversity is its location on the spice route. It is one of the oldest cities in Upper Mesopotamia and has been a significant settlement since around 4500 BC. Mardin boasts a total of five inns and one caravanserai, creating an exotic atmosphere that makes visitors feel as if they are traveling through time.

Mardin’de Görülmesi Gereken Yerler

Mardin Castle

One of the city's most important landmarks, Mardin Castle, has a deeply rooted history of 1600 years. Due to its strategic location, the castle has been used by many civilizations for defense over the years. Another name for Mardin Castle is the Eagle's Nest. The view from the castle is truly breathtaking, but reaching it requires some effort due to a long staircase. There is no entrance fee for the castle, and if you wish, tourism companies provide guides for tourists.

Dara Ancient City

Located 30 km southeast of the city, Dara Ancient City is one of the most important settlements in Upper Mesopotamia. Built by Emperor Anastasius in 505 AD, this ancient city also served as a border garrison city to protect against Sasanian attacks. The ancient city was protected by a 4 km long wall. There are intriguing structures carved into the rock, making Dara an architecturally fascinating place. You can see various sections that have survived to this day, including a palace, church, arsenal, dungeon, and dam.

Deyrulzafaran Monastery

Located 8 km from Mardin city center, this historical heritage is believed to have been built in the 400s. With its stunning architecture, this building holds a significant place among Syriac churches. The monastery served as a residence for Syriac patriarchs for six centuries. Its three-story architecture has undergone some changes and additions over time. Deyrulzafaran Monastery, an important site for Mardin tourism, is open to visitors every day. A small entrance fee is required.

Mor Behnam Kırklar Church

Built in the 400s, this important church is located 6 km from the center of Mardin. With its large courtyard and intricately designed stone walls, this church attracts great interest from tourists. Traditional Mardin stones were used in its construction, and it features a bell tower. Mor Behnam Kırklar Church is still open for worship and does not charge an entrance fee.

Zinciriye Madrasa

Believed to have been built in the 12th century, Zinciriye Madrasa is a large complex that includes a mosque, tomb, and auxiliary buildings. Its architecture is grand and impressive, making it another significant historical monument in Mardin's tourism landscape. The motifs used in the interior design, the arched dome, and the detailed fountains reflect meticulous craftsmanship. There is no entrance fee for Zinciriye Madrasa, and since it is located next to the Mardin Museum, you can visit both in one trip.

Mardin Museum

Shedding light on Mardin's rich history, the Mardin Museum offers visitors a journey through time with its exhibits. In addition to the deep history of Mardin, you can see artifacts from archaeological excavations and various civilizations. If you want to take a closer look at Mardin's history, the Mardin Museum is a must-visit. A small entrance fee is required. The museum is open to visitors every day except weekends and Mondays.

Tellallar Bazaar

The historic Tellallar Bazaar is located in the city center, within Cumhuriyet Bazaar. It is believed to have been built in the 17th century. As a historic marketplace, it is still actively used today, with shops stretching along its length offering almost everything you might want. With its unique architecture, Tellallar Bazaar has been a key trading spot from the past to the present. You can find everything from copper and silver items to local products, souvenirs, jewelry, and embroidered home goods. The bazaar is open every day, so you can visit anytime.

Great Mosque (Ulu Camii)

Located in the city center, the historic Great Mosque, also known as Cami-i Kebir, dates back to the Artuqid Empire. It is believed to have been built by the ruler Qutb ad-Din Ilghazi in 1176. The design of the mosque stands out for being different from other mosques. It includes a garden, bathhouse, and shops. The Great Mosque is one of the city's main tourist attractions due to its multifunctional and intriguing structure. The mosque is open for both worship and visits, with no entrance fee.