First: Where is the Ancient City of Dara?
The Ancient City of Dara is just outside Oğuz village, approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Mardin. Located at the juncture of the Mesopotamian Plain and the Tur Abidin Mountains, Dara was built on a foundation of solid limestone.
About the Ancient City of Dara
- According to medieval historians, Dara was a military garrison established by the Persian king, Darius III, and named after him. Legend has it that Darius III died here during an epic clash – the Battle of Gaugamela – with Alexander the Great.
- Although the settlement allegedly carries the name of Darius, it had at times been referred to as the Ephesus of Mesopotamia.
- The area is believed to have first been inhabited five thousand years ago.
- The ancient city of Dara contains a wealth of fascinating ruins, including a water jump, a bridge, a church, a cemetery, a dungeon, a barrage, a palace and a marketplace, as well as cave houses dating from the Late Roman Period.
Structures in the Ancient City of Dara
The Cemetery Area (Necropolis)
The burial grounds of the ancient city feature rock-carved tombs, including sarcophagus tombs, simple cist tombs, and rock tombs.
The city’s deceased were laid to rest within the stone, with the hope of a spiritual return to the land. One remarkable illustration of this is the Large Gallery Grave, meticulously carved into bedrock by the Eastern Romans in 591.
Islamic Period Graves
In addition, the city houses tombs from the Islamic period, as well as mausoleums dating from the seventh to fourteenth centuries. One set of tombs belongs to a group of Chechens fleeing one of the Russian-Chechen conflicts. After settling in Dara, the Chechen refugees succumbed to an epidemic.
The Fortification Walls
Within the Ancient City of Dara is another remarkable structure – four kilometers of ancient walls crafted with smooth-cut stone on both sides, divided into inner and outer sections. Encircling three grand hills, the walls have a total twenty-eight towers.
Gates
Naturally, the ancient city’s walls included gates. Facing in four different directions, the gates within the walls are known as the North, South, West and East Gates. The North and South Water Gates, appropriately set in the northern and southern parts of the city, are located in the arched sections of the city wall, under which flows the Cordis River.
The Agora Street
Running north from the South Gate and paved with large block stones is the Agora street, a significant structure in the city. The street’s connection to the Silk Road – the key trade route at the time – as well as the fact that it housed numerous shops and workshops, highlight its importance in Dara’s social and commercial life.
Cisterns
Dara’s cisterns were constructed to meet the city’s water needs. Used to store and distribute water from the mountains, these water reservoirs were also major components of the city’s defense system, as Dara had access to water even when under attack.
Church and Cistern.
About 100 meters before the entrance to the Agora street is a large cistern. Made of smooth cut stone like many of the city’s other structures, the cistern’s main entrance is on the east side. Water flowed from the two-story cistern to various living spaces throughout Dara; above the cistern was a cathedral known as the Great Church – just one wall remains of this structure.
Castellum Aqua
Carved into the bedrock on Dara’s southern slopes was the castellum aqua – “covered water tank”. Water flowing down from the hills north of the city was collected here and delivered to other cisterns and structures throughout the city. The castellum aqua comprised ten cells extending east and west.
The Baptism Basin
To the northeast of the Great Church is a baptism font (baptism basin) where adults who had converted to Christianity could be baptized. Steps were built on both sides of the pool so that it was easily accessible.
The Mosaic Buildings
The mosaic buildings, Mosaic Building 1 and Mosaic Building 2, are feature preserved motifs. Mosaic Building 1, on the south side near the large cemetery area, dates to the time of Roman Emperor Anastasius I. This structure depicts plants, animals and shepherds, and has an 11-line inscription. Mosaic Building 2 features a floor mosaic, with a colorful fish scale design, and walls on all four sides.
If this summary of the history of the ancient city of Dara and its structures piques your interest, we suggest booking a flight to Mardin to embark on an exploration that will make you feel like you are in a time machine! In addition, you can check out One city, three days: Mardin to learn more about magical Mardin, its rich culture and its cuisine.
We wish you pleasant travels!
