Top 10 Places to Visit in Mardin: A City of Stone and Spirit
Mardin, with its thousands of years of history and fascinating texture, is one of the rare destinations in the heart of Mesopotamia and has managed to become one of the most special cities in Turkey. This unique city, which bears the traces of ancient civilisations, takes its visitors on a journey out of time with its stonework, architecture, multi-layered cultural structure and unique cuisine. As you walk through the narrow streets of Mardin, history whispers in your ear at every corner; each building tells you stories from another era.
For this reason, it is of great importance not to rush your travels to Mardin and to explore the spirit of the city by digesting it. Nevertheless, if you have limited time and want to get to know this magical city, we have brought together 10 must-see places in Mardin for you. Here is the list of places to visit in Mardin, the pearl of Mesopotamia...
1. Dara Ancient City
Dara was founded by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century as a garrison city to protect the eastern border and is one of the most impressive ancient cities of Upper Mesopotamia. Located in a strategic position between the Tigris and Euphrates, Dara has, over time, gone beyond its military identity and has become an important settlement centre. The ruins, such as the church, palace, bazaar, water dam, artillery, dungeon and burial chambers in the ancient city, are very impressive. Especially the huge cisterns built underground reveal the engineering knowledge of the Roman period. In addition, the cave houses in the region reveal that Dara was not only a garrison but also a social living space.
2. Mardin Museum
Built in 1895 as the Syriac Catholic Patriarchate, this building, which attracts attention with its impressive stone workmanship, now serves as the Mardin Museum. The artefacts exhibited in the museum were unearthed as a result of excavations in the mounds and ancient cities in and around Mardin. The collections covering a wide period from the Palaeolithic period to the Ottoman period consist of ceramics, coins, jewellery, sculptures and various objects of daily life. It is almost a must to visit this museum to see more closely the contribution of Mesopotamia to the history of humanity.
3. Bakırcılar Bazaar
Located in the historical centre of Mardin, Bakırcılar Bazaar is an authentic marketplace where craftsmanship has been kept alive for centuries. As you wander around this bazaar, you feel as if you are listening to music accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the craftsmen on the copper. Coppersmithing, as one of the traditional crafts of Mardin, has been passed down from master to apprentice and kept alive until today. In this bazaar, you can browse among the handcrafted products and choose unique gifts for yourself or your loved ones from ornaments with Şahmeran motifs or kitchen utensils. The legendary story of Şahmeran is one of the most beautiful examples reflecting the fairy tale aspect of these lands.
4. Mardin Castle
Located on a hill overlooking Mardin and popularly known as the ‘Eagle's Nest’, Mardin Castle was built on a natural rock by the Hamdanids about 1000 years ago. The panoramic view of Mardin, with its terraced streets and yellow limestone houses, is breathtaking. Visits to the castle at sunrise or sunset offer unique shots for photographers and landscape enthusiasts.
5. Historical Mardin Houses
One of the first images that comes to mind when Mardin is mentioned is undoubtedly the historical stone houses. These houses attract attention both architecturally and with their harmony with the urban texture. These buildings, which are generally built of yellow limestone, are lined up from the slope to the plain so as not to cut each other's view. This planning approach is one of the rarest examples of medieval urban architecture. The narrow streets stretching between the houses offer visitors an atmosphere from the past centuries. Behind every stone, every arch and every door is a completely different story.
6. The Beyazsu Stream
The Beyazsu Stream, which brings a breath of green to Mardin's arid and earth-toned geography, is almost a bridge of friendship between nature and the city. This region, which is frequently preferred by Mardinites to cool off and breathe, is one of the rare places where you can be alone with nature. You can taste local dishes in the restaurants and tea gardens on the banks of the stream and take a peaceful break accompanied by the sound of cool water. Beyazsu, which attracts great attention as a picnic area by the people of the region, especially in the summer months, is an ideal stop for visitors who want to spend time in touch with nature.
Source: Bianet
7. Savurkapı Hamam
Located near Hatuniye Madrasah and dating back to the 12th century, this historical bath is one of the impressive examples of Seljuk stone architecture. The bath, which attracts attention with its rectangular structure, walls built of cut stones and domed roof, is still functional today. It is an ideal stop for those who want to experience a traditional bath experience by feeling the texture of history. The dim lights of the interior, the hot marble platforms and the echoing sound of the water make you feel like travelling back in time.
8. Deyrulzafaran Monastery
Located 5 km east of Mardin, Deyrulzafaran Monastery has a great historical and spiritual significance for the Syriac Orthodox community. This monastery, which was built on a sun temple in ancient times, was later used as a fortress by the Romans. Today's monastery structure was shaped from the 5th century and took its present form in the 18th century. The monastery, which contains various prayer rooms, tombs and patriarchate rooms, is impressive not only for its architectural elegance but also for the cultural richness it has harboured over the centuries.
9. Kasımiye Madrasah
The Kasımiye Madrasah, which was started to be built during the Artuqid period but remained unfinished for many years due to the Mongol invasion, was completed in the late 15th century and reached its present magnificent structure. This building, one of the largest madrasas in Mardin, attracts attention especially with its decorations, stone workmanship and the pool in its courtyard. While visiting the madrasah, you can follow the traces of Islamic thought and science tradition in these lands, accompanied by the serenity of the sound of water. In addition, the view overlooking the plain from the courtyard of the madrasah at sunset is worth seeing.
10. Surur Inn
Dating back to the 17th century, Surur Inn is a beautiful example of classical Ottoman inn architecture with its two-storey porticoes and courtyard. This inn, which was the accommodation centre of caravans in its time, is now one of the frequent destinations for visitors who want to relax in the mystical atmosphere of Mardin. You can have a tiredness coffee and enjoy local flavours in the authentic cafes and restaurants inside. You will feel the rhythm of the past while wandering between the stone walls of the inn.
Source: Türkiye Kültür Portalı
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