Mardin is one of Turkey’s most distinctive and atmospheric cities—rich in history, architecture, and cultural diversity. It sits in southeastern Turkey, overlooking the vast Mesopotamian plains, near the Syrian border.

A crossroads of civilizations

Mardin has been inhabited for thousands of years and has been ruled by many empires, including the Assyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Seljuks, Artuqids, and Ottomans. Because of this, it became a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, including Kurds, Arabs, Turks, and Syriac Christians.

Architecture & old town

What makes Mardin instantly recognizable is its golden limestone architecture. The old town is built into a hillside, with:

Narrow stone streets
Terraced houses cascading down the slope
Ornate carvings on doors, windows, and facades

The city is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage tentative site, and walking through it feels like stepping back in time.

Religious diversity

Mardin is famous for its long-standing religious coexistence. Key sites include:

Deyrulzafaran Monastery – a major Syriac Orthodox monastery, over 1,500 years old
Ulu Mosque (Great Mosque of Mardin) – with a distinctive minaret
Ancient churches, mosques, and madrasas often located just steps apart

Food & local culture

Mardin’s cuisine is unique even by Turkish standards, with influences from Arab and Mesopotamian traditions. Notable dishes include:

Kaburga dolması (stuffed lamb ribs)
İçli köfte (stuffed bulgur dumplings)
Rich spices like cinnamon, allspice, and sumac
The city is also known for silver filigree jewelry (telkari), handmade using traditional techniques.

Atmosphere & travel appeal

Best visited in spring or autumn due to hot summers
Famous for sunsets over the Mesopotamian plains
Calm, contemplative, and deeply cultural rather than flashy or modern

Why people love Mardin

People are drawn to Mardin for its:

Timeless beauty
Sense of history layered in everyday life
Rare blend of cultures living side by side
• • Quiet, poetic atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Turkey

Recommended by Purser Vic