{"id":34296,"date":"2022-07-22T17:37:57","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T14:37:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/one-city-three-days-mardin\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T14:19:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T11:19:30","slug":"one-city-three-days-mardin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/one-city-three-days-mardin\/","title":{"rendered":"One city, three days: Mardin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Let\u2019s begin: The history of Mardin<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Mardin
Located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, Mardin is an ancient city dating back to ancient times. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mardin, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is an ancient city with a history dating back to antiquity. Excavations in the region have uncovered artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Early Bronze Age, providing the most important evidence. The name Mardin was first used by the 4th-century historian Ammianus Marcellinus. In 640, after the city was conquered by Islamic armies, the Arab population began to gain prominence. In later periods, as Mardin came under Seljuk rule, Turkmens settled there, and the city\u2019s multicultural character took shape. For years, Mardin was governed by the Artuqids, the Ayyubids, the Kara Koyunlus, and the Ak Koyunlus, and ultimately came under Ottoman control. Today, Mardin, one of the most captivating cities in the Republic of T\u00fcrkiye, continues to preserve its ancient past and share its rich heritage with visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A city of cultural richness: Places to visit in Mardin<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Old Mardin Bazaar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Multicultural and multilingual, Mardin offers a wealth of historical and cultural beauties along with an extraordinary culinary tradition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we embark on our Mardin sojourn, let\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical places in Mardin<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Mor
Mor Hananyo Monastery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mardin\u2019s 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\u2019s begin our sightseeing route with some of Mardin\u2019s most notable historical sites\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mardin Castle<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Mardin
Mardin Castle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Perched atop the city, which has a 1,600-year history, Mardin Castle remains a military zone because of its strategic location. For this reason, although the interior of the castle is not open to the public, you can observe this magnificent structure from every point in the city and enjoy the view of the endless Mesopotamian Plain from the viewpoints just at its foothills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zinciriye Madrasah<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s armies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mor Hananyo Monastery<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mor Benham Church<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Also known as the K\u0131rklar 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mor Gabriel Monastery<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Mor
Mor Gabriel Manast\u0131r\u0131<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Located just outside Midyat, Mor Gabriel Monastery, also known as Deyrulumur, is the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world. With a history dating back to the 4th century and remarkably preserved architecture, it is not only a spiritual landmark of the region but also one of the world\u2019s centers of faith tourism. Still an active place of worship and education, this enchanting complex captivates visitors with the subtle mastery of its stonework and its rare mosaics from Roman times. Considered the “Second Jerusalem” for the Syriac faith, the monastery offers a unique chance to feel the region\u2019s spiritual depth in its quiet, mystical atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kas\u0131miye Madrasa<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Kas\u0131miye
Kas\u0131miye Medresesi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of Mardin\u2019s most magnificent monuments, Kas\u0131miye Madrasa, is a 700-year-old architectural masterpiece. Its construction began under the Artuqids and was completed during the reign of Akkoyunlu Sultan Kas\u0131m. Built entirely of cut stone, this vast two-story complex unites a madrasa, a mosque, and a mausoleum under a single roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

profound mystical significance. The water flowing from its source symbolizes birth; where it spills represents youth; the narrow channel signifies old age; and the basin where it finally gathers represents death. A first stop for architecture enthusiasts and photography lovers, the madrasa offers visitors an exceptional view through its windows that open onto the Mesopotamian Plain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mardin streets and Mardin houses<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Mardin
Mardin houses<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With their authentic atmosphere shaped by stone architecture, Mardin\u2019s famous streets, which have served as sets for many films and TV series, are among the top places to see in the city! When you arrive in Mardin, let your first move be to get lost in its streets, with historic bazaars, stone houses, and people from many cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is impossible not to be captivated by the mysterious beauty of Mardin\u2019s houses, which offer visitors the most striking example of traditional architecture. These houses, built of yellow limestone, feature terraces that face one another.  The living rooms and bedrooms of Mardin houses open onto the same terrace, and given their distinctive design, it would not be wrong to call them among the city\u2019s most important tourist destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mardin Grand Mosque<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dara Ancient City<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Dara
Dara Ancient City<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dara Ancient City, located in O\u011fuz Village, 30 km from Mardin\u2019s city center, is also known as the Ephesus of Mesopotamia. Believed to have been founded by Emperor Anastasius in 505, the ancient city was ruled by many civilizations and later governed by the Ottoman State for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Dara, dazzling with its colossal rock-carved structures, churches, bazaar, and bridges, the most popular and striking site in recent years is the massive water cistern known locally as “Zindan”. Built underground, this engineering marvel evokes a powerful sense of time through its towering columns and mystical atmosphere. If you would like to learn more about the ancient cities of Mesopotamia, check out our article: “The cradle of civilization: Ancient Cities in the Mesopotamian Region<\/a>“.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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