Mardin – (Turkey) – a province located in the southeastern part of the country, including its namesake capital. Its area is 8,858 km², and the population exceeds 800,000 inhabitants.
The province is divided into 10 districts, one of which is the ancient city of Mardin (Turkish: Mardin) where today almost 140,000 people live. It sprawls on the top of a hill, at an altitude of 1,083 meters above sea level, where ancient houses and buildings descend downward in a picturesque cascade. In 1960, due to its undeniable cultural and historical value, the city was included in the UNESCO heritage list, becoming the second after Venice to maintain its authentic appearance.
Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Mardin is considered one of the oldest cities in Upper Mesopotamia. The first settlements presumably appeared here in 4500 BCE. Over time, these lands were inhabited by Sumerians, Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, and Seljuks, succeeding one another. In the 4th century BCE, Mardin submitted to Alexander the Great, but after the commander’s death, the city was taken over by Persia.
Mardin was located at the intersection of the most important trade routes, including the Silk Road, and constantly attracted foreign conquerors. For centuries, the Roman Empire fought with the Persians for its unconditional dominance in the region, but only Byzantium succeeded in doing so by the end of the 1st millennium. However, in 1071, in the Battle of Manzikert, the Byzantines suffered a crushing defeat from the Seljuk forces, after which the latter gained access 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 Southeast Anatolia. Its rich historical heritage can be seen in numerous architectural monuments, including preserved 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 multinational population. Walking through the streets of Mardin, you’ll hear conversations in different languages, and among the locals, you’ll meet Assyrians, Kurds, Arabs, Turks, and Armenians. Visiting cafes and restaurants, you’ll appreciate the incredible variety of national dishes. However, getting to know the city should start with visiting the landmarks – Mardin’s most valuable historical monuments.
Mardin’s hotel infrastructure offers various accommodation options for any budget. Here are the most popular hotels in the city:
The city of Mardin in Turkey, whose photos can enchant even an experienced traveler, is filled with a unique authentic atmosphere. When you find yourself at the main attractions, you seem to enter another dimension, untouched by the flow of time. Among the city’s landmark objects, the following should be noted first:
This is the oldest Syrian Orthodox monastery, built in 493 by a monk named Sleimun. It is believed that the structure was built on the site of a Syrian pagan temple of the Moon god. The oldest room in the complex is more than 4,000 years old. Officially named the Monastery of Saint Ananias, it is more commonly called Deyrulzafaran. This name arose due to the unusual “saffron” color of the stones used in the building. Today, the temple serves not only as a spiritual abode but also as a school for orphans who study the language, culture, and traditions of the Assyrian people.
Dara is one of the first cities built after the split of the Roman Empire. This ancient site was constructed in 505 CE under the order of Byzantine ruler Anastasius I. The city played a crucial role in strengthening the empire’s eastern borders. However, in the 7th century, during their conquests, the Arabs caused significant damage to Dara, and by the 10th century, almost all inhabitants had left, leaving the city completely empty. Today, a tiny village inhabited mostly by Kurds and Arabs is located on the territory of this ancient monument.
The Great Mosque of Mardin, often featured in photos of Turkey’s Mardin, is the city’s main symbol. Built in the 12th century, the sanctuary looks quite simple yet impressive. Some sources claim that the building was erected on the site of a former Assyrian church. The structure is a striking example of the architectural style of that period and notably differs from more modern Islamic temples. The mosque is adorned with one minaret (it is believed there were originally two) and a miniature dome. The sanctuary is spread across the mountainside, and if you climb the stairs to the minaret, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful panorama of the Mesopotamian plains.
The building of the former madrasa in Mardin, Turkey, also attracts genuine interest from tourists. Construction of the educational institution began in the 13th century but was only completed by the end of the 14th century. The religious school functioned for over 500 years, but in 1924, during Turkey’s transformation into a secular state, the educational institution was closed. The madrasa’s architecture is maintained in Mardin’s characteristic style. It’s a two-story building constructed of yellow stone, with a wide inner courtyard, and a small mosque rises in its western part. Inside the madrasa are several notable objects – a model of an ancient astrological clock with an elephant and a Sufi fountain. The monument is located in the southwest of the city and can be visited free of charge at any time.
Another interesting object often seen in Mardin’s photos is the Zinciriye Madrasa. The construction of the building dates back to the 14th century, initiated by Sultan Isa, whose tomb is still preserved within the walls of the former school. The madrasa is located on a mountain slope, at the foot of the city fortress. It’s a two-story building with two carved domes, inside which is arranged a courtyard with a pool. There is a legend that previously the domes were connected by a heavy chain, which is why the madrasa received the name Zinciriye (in Turkish, “zincir” means “chain”). Today, religious courses are held in the former school building. The madrasa is located in the center of Mardin, and admission is free.
Mardin in Turkey is not very popular with travelers, so the choice of accommodation in the city is quite modest. However, there are several good hotels, including a hotel from the renowned Hilton chain. Among the presented establishments, you can find both budget options without stars and more comfortable 4* and 5* hotels. Most of them are located close to the city center, but there are also hotels more distant from it. So be sure to consider this criterion when choosing accommodation.
Prices for accommodation in Mardin depend on the class of establishment you choose. For instance, renting a room for two in a hotel without stars costs on average 170-250 TL per day. The cheapest option is 115 TL per night. Most establishments include breakfast in the price. It’s worth noting that prices for booking a double room in 4* hotels are slightly higher and range between 220-280 TL. In Mardin, there is also a five-star spa hotel offering accommodation for just 280 TL per day.
Mardin has its own airport, located 20 km from the city. Direct international flights are not available here, so you can reach the destination by air only from Turkey’s largest cities – Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. It’s also possible to travel from these points by intercity bus, but in this case, the journey will take considerable time.
he distance from Istanbul to Mardin is over 1,400 km, from Ankara – about 1,000 km, from Izmir – 1,500 km. Daily direct flights to Mardin are operated by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines from these cities. The flight from Istanbul takes about 2 hours, from Ankara – 1.5 hours, from Izmir – slightly over 2 hours. Public transport from the airport to Mardin doesn’t operate, so you can only get to the center by taxi.
If you’re considering the bus option, you can travel to Mardin from many well-known Turkish cities – Antalya, Mersin, Konya, etc. Intercity transport arrives at the main bus station, from where you can reach the center by city minibuses. You can check prices and detailed route schedules for your chosen direction on obilet.com.
Mardin is an incredible city where history comes alive at every turn. There are so many amazing things to see and do here!
If you’re looking for a truly magical experience, make sure to visit in spring or fall. The weather is perfect for exploring the ancient streets, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time! Mardin is the perfect destination for a quick 2-3 day getaway. You’ll love immersing yourself in its unique atmosphere and visiting all the main attractions.
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