The ancient city of Mardin where different religions and cultures merge.
Mardin, where languages and religions blend peacefully, taking its visitors on a fairytale journey through its narrow stone streets, is one of the most unique cities of Southeastern Anatolia with its multicultural structure. This two-day romantic and culture-filled route offers a broad perspective ranging from historical monasteries tracing the Syriac heritage to magnificent Artuqid madrasas and underground ancient cities. The region's impressive stonework and fascinating views dominating the Mesopotamian plain turn this journey into an experience.
Your route begins with a visit to the Nusaybin Sembolik Anıt, symbolizing the ancient history of the region. Next, you turn to the Deyrulzafaran Manastırı, one of the most important spiritual centers of the Syriac Orthodox community, notable for its impressive architecture. To penetrate deeper into the city's historical texture, you visit the Mardin Ulu Cami, which has become a symbol of Mardin and captivates onlookers with the elegant carvings on its minaret. You end the first day finding peace in the courtyard of the Kasımiye Medresesi, one of the most important educational institutions of the Artuqid period, while watching the sunset view of the Mesopotamian plain.
You start the second day in the Midyat district, famous for its filigree art and historical mansions, by touring the Midyat Konuk Evi, an architectural masterpiece. After wandering the stone streets of the district, you experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Mor Gabriel Manastırı, one of the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monasteries in the world, holding great spiritual importance for the region. You conclude this intensive cultural and historical feast by exploring the ancient city of Dara-Anastasiopolis, one of the most important garrison cities of the Roman period with its rock-carved structures, massive cisterns, and necropolis.