Let’s go: History of Mardin
Located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, Mardin is an ancient city; remains discovered in excavations around the region include artifacts dating from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Early Bronze ages.
The name of Mardin was first mentioned by Ammianus Marcellinus, a fourth century historian. Conquered by the Islamic armies in 640, the city’s population included a large Arab community. After coming under Seljuk domination, Turkmens started to settle in Mardin and the city’s multicultural structure began forming. Occupied by the Artuqids, the Eyyubis, and the Karakoyunlu and Akkoyunlu Turkmens over the centuries, Mardin enjoyed a relatively calmer period under the Ottoman Empire. After the Republic of Türkiye was established in 1923, Mardin became the administrative capital of its province. The city was granted the qualification of a metropolitan municipality in 2012.
A city of cultural wealth: Places to visit in Mardin
Multicultural and multilingual, Mardin offers a wealth of historical and cultural beauties along with an extraordinary culinary tradition.
Before we embark on our Mardin sojourn, let’s note that the city has a Mediterranean climate: winters are wet and chilly, while summers are quite hot. Therefore, the spring and autumn months are probably the most ideal times to visit Mardin! Do consider this information when you start looking for Mardin flight tickets.
Historical sites in Mardin
Mardin’s old city is exceptionally picturesque, featuring traditional stone, religious and vernacular architecture and a terraced urban. In fact, the Mardin Cultural Landscape is on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. So let’s begin our sightseeing route with some of Mardin’s most notable historical sites…
Mardin Castle
Mardin Castle, also known as the “Eagle’s Nest”, is an iconic symbol of the city. Although its date of construction is still unknown, it is estimated to be around sixteen hundred years old. It has undergone repairs through its existence, including a rebuilding by the Hamdanis. Set in the city center, the castle offers a panoramic view of the Mesopotamian Plain, as well as the city itself.
Zinciriye Madrasah
Just below the castle is the Zinciriye Madrasah, erected in the 14th century. The complex consists of a courtyard, a mosque and a tomb. The madrasah also served as a prison for Melik Necmeddin Isa, who fought and lost to Timur’s armies.
Mor Hananyo Monastery
Built over the site of a former Mesopotamian temple dedicated to a sun god, Mor Hananyo, also known as Deyrulzafaran Monastery, continues to serve as a school and a place of worship for Syriandacobites in Mardin. Erected as a monastery, Mor Hananyo later became the official seat of the patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church. It is believed to be the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox structure in the area. The compound is notable for its architecture and the monastery features a geometric stone roof created without mortar.
Mor Benham Church
Also known as the Kırklar Church, the 6th-century Mor Benham Church was a religious center for the Syriac Orthodox in Mardin. Considered among the finest examples of early Christian architecture, the beautiful stone church features three entrance doors, a courtyard and a bell tower.
Mardin streets and houses
Mardin’s quaint cobblestone streets are featured in the backgrounds of numerous movies and series, thanks to their authentic appearance. Equally intriguing are Mardin’s traditional houses: made of yellow limestone, most of these homes have internal courtyards and multiple terraces as well as stone carvings.
Mardin Grand Mosque
The Mardin Grand Mosque, also known as Cami-i Kebir, dates from the period of the Artuqid Beylic. Made of yellow limestone, the mosque is a stellar example of traditional architecture, featuring a rectangular structure, a small courtyard and a fountain. It is the oldest mosque in the city.
Dara Ancient City
Located in Oğuz village, 30 kilometers from the Mardin city center, the Dara Ancient City is also known as the Ephesus of Mesopotamia. Believed to have been founded by Emperor Anastasius in the sixth century, Dara later came under Ottoman rule. The Ancient City features rock-carved churches, bridges and other structures, along with a bazaar and a dungeon.
To discover more about the ancient cities of Mesopotamia, check out The cradle of civilizations: Ancient cities in the Mesopotamian Region.
Mardin Museums
Mardin’s museums offer a variety of exhibits on the culture and spirit of Mardin.
Sakıp Sabancı Mardin City Museum
Once used as a cavalry barracks and then as a tax office, this building in the city center was restored by the Sabancı Foundation in 2007 and opened as the Mardin City Museum in 2009. The first floor of the museum contains the Dilek Sabancı Art Gallery, while the second floor includes exhibits on the history and heritage of Mardin. The museum is open every day except Monday.
Mardin Museum
Erected in 1895 as the Syriac Catholic Patriarchate, the building was used in subsequent years as a religious center, a health center and an inn. It was restored and transformed into the Mardin Museum in 1995. It features comprehensive ethnographic and archaeological collections. The museum is open daily except on Mondays.
Delicious and authentic flavors: Dining in Mardin
Mardin is famous for a rich, multicultural culinary tradition shaped by the centuries of various settlements and communities in the area. At the heart of this cuisine are red meat and offal, along with cracked wheat and spices. Fruits and herbs are often found in various meat dishes, with mahaleb, cilantro, allspice, ginger, cinnamon and cardamom among the most frequently used spices. When you visit Mardin, do sample at least a few of the following dishes!
- Stuffed ribs
- Mardin-style stuffed meatballs
- Onion kebab
- Dobo (a lamb shoulder dish)
- Firkiye (lamb meat and green almond.)
- Sembusek (a pastry filled with minced meat)
- Mardin-style muffins
- Zingil dessert (a doughnut-shaped confection)
- Mırra coffee
Some notes on Mardin
Keep reading for more information on Mardin’s accommodation and transport options.
Where to stay in Mardin
As a popular tourist destination, Mardin offers a wide range of accommodation options. To experience the most authentic Mardin atmosphere, you can stay in the Old City, in a restored Mardin house, many of which now serve as hotels. There are also chain hotels and pensions in the city center and surrounding districts.
To easily plan a trip to Mardin, we recommend reviewing the travel packages available through Turkish Airlines Holidays; these include accommodations, flights and other essential bookings: https://www.turkishairlinesholidays.com/tr-tr?utm_source=thyblog&utm_medium=referral
Transportation in Mardin
Public buses, minibuses and taxis operate in the wider city. Old Mardin, where most of the touristic sights are located, is easily explored on foot.
Transportation from Mardin Airport to the city center
Mardin Airport is about 20 kilometers from the city center. HAVAŞ buses, municipal buses and minibuses operate routes to and from the city center. Taxis are available 24-hours.
We wish you a delightful exploration!
