Places to Visit in Mardin – The 12 Most Beautiful Places

My travel notes about the historical old streets, culture, madrasahs, castle, hotels and food for places to visit in Mardin.

What kind of place is Mardin with its legends and history?

So that; Here, people sleep outdoors on the roofs with nature. They sleep on hot summer nights by looking at the stars that we only read about in fairy tales and stories and cannot see anymore in cities. And believe me, everyone here has a star and many dreams.

I spoke to a little girl from Mardin . I can’t remember the name right now. But he told me how they dreamed looking at the stars on the roof. That’s when I said the city lights stole the stars and our dreams from us. Her eyes shone so brightly that you could see the stars in the little girl’s eyes.

Mesopotamia is such a place! It has ingrained the brotherhood of religions and languages into its soil. Mardin looks at Mesopotamia from above without arrogance. In this city where many people live together with respect, cultureIt becomes an indispensable stop on tours. An indispensable part of Southeast Gap tours, Mardin is very rich in terms of places to visit. Let me tell you about 12 of the most beautiful places to visit with my travel notes of this richness.

of the Southeast RegionMardin is the most exotic and mysterious city, Why?

It has been able to carry many religions and languages together with respect for centuries. This is such a valuable phenomenon that today… In these narrow streets of Mardin , where civilization cannot reach, people regard respect and love as the highest value. In short , Mardin is the city of languages and religions . You see a Muslim, a Yazidi or an Assyrian living together in the same street or even in the same courtyard. This union has officially permeated the stone and soil of Mardin … You realize that life and people are more valuable here.

List of Places to Visit in Mardin

(Distances relative to Old Mardin)

Mardin Castle (4 km. 10 minutes)
Kasımiye Madrasa (2 km. 5 minutes)
Zinciriye Madrasa (in the center)
Mardin Museum (Center)
Şehidiye Madrasa (in the center)
Old Mardin houses (in the center)
Deyrulzafaran Monastery (6 km. 15 minutes)
Sabancı City Museum (in the center)
Ulu Mosque (in the center)
Mor Shmuni church (in the center)
Old Mardin Streets (In the Center)
Mardin Museum

1 – Mardin Castle

It was built with the dominance of an eagle’s nest on the rocks with its face facing Mesopotamia . This castle, which trampled all Mesopotamia underfoot, became the security key of all civilizations passing over it. Mardin castle , which is difficult to conquer and reach, has been the scene of many tough battles. With a history of 3 thousand years, it was used as a castle with the title of Kartal Yuvası , together with the Persians, Romans, Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Mitanis, Umayyads, Abbasids, Seljuks, Artuqids, Karakoyunlus and Ottomans . Today, it sheds light on history as a historical touristic area. However, visiting is prohibited. There is a radar for NATO inside.

According to an information; King Shad Buhari, who worships fire, places Persian and Babylonian soldiers and people here. In this region, which became economically rich, a plague epidemic caused the death of all the people.

2 – Kasımiye Madrasa

The Kasımiye Madrasa, which was started to be built during the Artukid period, was completed by the 15th century Akkoyunlu sultan Cihangiroğlu Kasım Sultan between 1457 and 1502. This madrasa, which was built as a domed and two-storey building, is adorned with stonework and ornamental motifs. It is one of the largest structures in Mardin with its face facing Mesopotamia. The fact that there are mosques, tombs and zawiyas inside shows that this place was also used as a complex besides the madrasah. This madrasah, whose structure has survived until today, is used as an Al Jazeera art museum.

Where is Kaszimiye Madrasa?

Cumhuriyet, 1711. Street Artuklu/Mardin Tam location Click for

Kasımiye Madrasa Entrance Fee 2020

There is no entrance fee for Kasımiye Madrasa.

Kasımiye Madrasa Visiting hours

Morning opening: 08.30
Evening Closing 18.00

3 – Zinciriye Madrasa

The Zinciriye Madrasa , which is among the oldest structures in Mardin , was built in 1386. It is known that Mardin was trained as an Observatory with its location overlooking the Mazopotamian plain. In Zinciriye Madrasa, astronomy, literature, philosophy and logic courses were also given in addition to religious education. It is thought that the madrasah, which got its name with its chain hanging from its roof, was used as a lightning rod in lightning strikes by transmitting the current to the ground .

Where is Zinciriye Madrasa?

Address : 1. Chad. Artuklu/Mardin Full location Click for It is located just above the 1st Street, above the Ulucami.
Tel: 0482 208 10 61

Zinciriye Madrasa Entrance Fee:

There is no entrance fee for Zinciriye Madrasa.

Zinciriye Madrasa Visiting Hours

Morning opening: 09:00
Evening Closing is 18.00

4 – Şehidiye Madrasa

Although it is slightly out of the original with the repairs and additions made in various periods, it is one of the places worth seeing in Mardin. With its location and a courtyard overlooking the city, Artuqid Sultan Melik Nasreddin Artuk Aslan had it built in 1214 in the first period of the 13th century. Its minaret, which was destroyed at that time, was rebuilt in 1916 by the Armenian Architect -Serkis Lole.

Where is Şehidiye Madrasa?

Address : 1. Chad. Artuklu/Mardin Full location Click for It is located on the 1st Street, just ahead of the Emir Hamam.

Şehidiye Madrasa Entrance Fee:

There is no entrance fee for Şehidiye Madrasa.

Şehidiye Madrasa Visiting Hours

Morning opening: 09:00
Evening Closing is 18.00

5 – Deyrulzafaran Monastery

Deyrulzafaran Monastery, built by the Assyrians in the 5th century AD, is 5 km from Mardin. located on the east side. It was used as the residence of Syriac Orthodox until 1932. There are structures such as the temple of the sun, the churches of the Virgin Mary, the house of the saints. The mosaic embroideries inside are still dazzling. You may have the chance to see the history in a Syriac Bible.

Saffron flowers grown at that time were used in the Monastery, which was built as a sun temple. With its shine, it took the name of the Sun Temple. It was also used as a castle by the Romans for a while.

Where is Deyrulzafaran Monastery?

Address: Eskikale, Deyrulzafaran Yolu No:1 D:2, Artuklu/Mardin

Deyrulzafaran Monastery Entrance Fee:

There is no entrance fee for Şehidiye Madrasa.

Deyrulzafaran Monastery Visiting Hours

Morning opening: 09:00
Evening Closing is 18.00

The Endless Mesopotamia

6 – Mor Gabriel Monastery

It was built in 397 by Mor Şemun and his teacher Mor Smuel. This monastery, built on the Tur Abdin plateau in Mardin Midyat, was called the Mor Gabriel Monastery. The Mor Gabriel Monastery, which is still actively used, still continues as an Orthodox Syriac church. It finds many employees. There are many students free of charge in the monastery, which is connected to the center of Lebanon. Priests and nuns were buried sitting in the monastery cemetery. The reason is Hz. It is believed that Jesus will return from the east on the Day of Judgment. Located 23 km outside of Midyat, this monastery is among the places to visit in Mardin. A Syriac official is guiding you.

Where is Mor Gabriel Monastery?

Address: Eskikale, Deyrulzafaran Yolu No:1 D:2, Artuklu/Mardin (Full location Click for )

Mor Gabriel Monastery Entrance Fee:

The entrance fee of Şehidiye Madrasa is 10 TL.

Mor Gabriel Monastery Visiting Hours

Morning opening: 09:00
Evening Closing is 18.00

7 – Grand Mosque

Mosques whose history and who were built are not known exactly, are generally called grand mosques. Despite the 16 inscriptions inside this great mosque in old Mardin, it has not been determined by whom it was built. The great mosque of Mardin, which had two minarets at the time it was built, has a minaret that has survived to the present day. The Ulu Mosque, which you come across as you walk through the narrow streets of Mardin, is thought to be from the Artukid period of the 12th century. In the Great Mosque, Shafi and Hanafi sects can pray at the same time in the sections reserved for them. The mosque, which has a horizontal structure, was built to ensure that each sect is at the same distance from the imam. Various restorations were made during the Akkoyunlu, Mamluk and Ottoman periods and many inscriptions were written.

8 – Dara Ancient City Ruins

B.C. These ruins in the ancient city of Dara, which was founded between 530 and 570 BC, are a good opportunity to examine Persian structures. Its name comes from the Persian king, Dara the 3rd. The ancient city, which was also used in the Roman period, was Romanized a bit with many additions. When you come to visit the ancient city of Dara, the cisterns, wells, bazaar, church, theater and 4 km for defense purposes. You will encounter the ruins of the fortifications. The ancient city of Dara, on the Silk Road, has made great progress in trade and religion. Remains of the world’s first water dam were found in the ruins of the ancient city, which is seen as the Aegeans of Mesopotamia.

Where is Dara Ancient City?

The ancient city of Dara, located on the Mardin Nusaybin road, is 30 km from Mardin. away.

9 – Mardin Sakip Sabanci City Museum

This historical building, which was used as a cavalry barracks by the governor of Diyarbakır, Hacı Hasan Pasha during the reign of Abdulhamid II in 1876, was built by Sarkis Elyas of Armenian origin. Later on, it was used as a public service building such as the Gendarmerie station and the military service branch. In 2006, on behalf of Sakıp Sabancı, who undertook the construction and renovation, it was started to be used as a city museum and Güler Sabancı art gallery.

You can see many historical artifacts found in the excavations in the history of Mesopotamia and the surrounding districts. Stone inscriptions, earthen bowls, jewelry such as BC. Artifacts are on display. In addition, local goods were shown with ethnographic animations.

Where is Sakip Sabanci City Museum?

Address: Şehidiye, Government Cad. No:10, Mardin Center/Mardin ( Full location Click for )

Sakip Sabanci City Museum Entrance Fee:

Sakip Sabanci City Museum entrance fee is 10 TL.
Student free.

Sakip Sabanci City Museum Visiting Hours

Morning opening: 09:00
Evening Closing is 18.00

10 – Kirklar Church

It actually has a very interesting story. Let me briefly tell you this story, from which the name Forties comes from. According to the legend; The Roman King Dokias begins to put pressure on the Christians. And they raise a rebellion against the king of Rome. 40 soldiers in this rebellion, which was suppressed by the Roman army, were taken to an ice lake in Sivas. And they are killed by being thrown into this lake. In the name of 40 soldiers, it was called the Church of the Forty here.

Where is Kirklar Church?

Address: Şar, 1st Street No:416, Mardin Center/Mardin (Full location Click for )

Kirklar Church Entrance Fee:

Entry is free

11 – Old Mardin Houses and Streets

It’s like on a medieval movie set. You are walking around a large settlement, one of the best examples of knitted stone art. The floors, the walls, the houses, everywhere are full of the same historical stone structures. A lot of history in an authentic setting. You can visit churches, monasteries and madrasas in these streets. These stones were made by cutting stones known as yellow limestone in and around Mardin. The feature of Mardin houses is that they do not pass the heat inside and keep them cool in this extremely hot region. Even the streets are like works of art. Although there are so many interesting and narrow streets, there are no dead ends.

There are small low passages called abbare to connect the streets . Even though we were little kids, I thought we should play hide and seek here. The streets and houses of Mardin, where you can’t get enough of taking pictures, will take you on a historical journey. Even though I tell it like a fairy tale, Old Mardin has started to demolish stone houses or wrap electric cables all over. It is striking, but compared to many places, Mardin still maintains its difference.

12 – Mardin Museum

It was built by the Patriarch of Antioch Ignatios Behram Benni in 1895 as the Syriac Catholic Patriarchate. The museum in Zinciriye Madrasa was moved here in 2000. It is possible to see many historical artifacts belonging to civilizations from the Assyrians to the Ottoman period in this museum. Since there are no museums in Şırnak, Batman and Siirt, all the artifacts of the region are gathered here. In the museum, there are archaeological artifacts found in the region and ethnographic local artifacts. There are 3 closed sections and 2 open exhibition halls.

Mardin pigeons;

Pigeons are very special and valuable in Mardin. When I say it’s valuable, I don’t mean in a material sense. According to the belief, the pigeons flying from Noah’s Ark were first placed in Mardin . The bond of the people of Mardin, who have lived on the roofs, with pigeons is worth seeing.quote photo

Processing Mardin culture into art;

Mardin is not a place to be underestimated. Especially in terms of art . Even as you walk through its streets, you can see the hammering of a stonemason or the art of a jeweler’s filigree master. Sometimes you hear that finely inlaid hammer of a coppersmith. Handicrafts reflect the beauties in their souls. When they see someone who is not from Mardin, they immediately understand and say welcome with a smile.

The story of Mardin Sahmeran

One day in Mardin , Mesopotamia , while a shepherd was going to graze his lambs, the ground collapsed. A door opens behind him, meters under the ground. A woman with a human head and snake body appears. It is surrounded by snakes. The frightened shepherd says do not be afraid. He says to the injured shepherd that I will heal you all your pain and wounds. The shepherd stays here for days and months. Months later, the snake realizes that she has fallen in love with the shepherd. But the shepherd wants to leave there. The snake, on the other hand, says neither you have seen me nor I do not tell anyone about me. The shepherd promises that he will not see the shepherd’s lambs anywhere. Returning to the village, the shepherd tells everyone what happened to him, but no one believes him. To prove it, he goes to the same place and calls Sahmeran and takes a stone and hits it.

Old Mardin Churches and gate

The snake is injured but does not die. Şahmeran spit in the face of the shepherd without saying anything and says go away. The shepherd has burns on his face. And for years the doctor seeks for his burns. Lokman finds the doctor. The doctor tells him that he can only heal with the blood of that snake. The shepherd goes to the well of the Shahmaran and says, “Oh, queen of beauty, grow out your beautiful hair so that I can die for it “. But the snake won’t come out. He puts a bowl of milk under the tree and falls asleep. A black snake comes and drinks that milk and spits into the bowl again. When the shepherd wakes up, he drinks that milk and sees that all his wounds are healed. And he realizes that it is Şahmeran who cures him .

Old Mardin Photos

Places to Visit in Mardin

Places to Visit in Mardin

I tried to write about the history, culture and food of the city of languages and religions while walking around the historical old streets for places to visit in Mardin .

Mardin Hotel and Accommodation

With this map, where you can see the hotel and hostel accommodation fees during your trip to Mardin, you can choose the hotel you want and see its price, location, communication and comments . With prices ranging from 200 to 950 TL , there are accommodation options suitable for every budget.

Click on the map for current and online Mardin Hotels and hostels in 2020.

Mardin Restaurants and Restaurants map 2020

Merdin dishes

Southeast is also the land of flavor.

The most interesting thing for me was the dish called Firkiye , which is made with lamb meat and green tea. Lamb meat is delicious with the sourness of the waterfall..
dobo; This dish made with lamb arm looks very satisfying.
Stuffed ribs: It’s like a must in the Southeast. I ate in Diyarbakir. But it is also quite ambitious in Mardin…
Onion Kebab : It is made with a mixture of minced meat in small onions and water with tomato paste.
İkbebet: We can call this Mardin style stuffed meatballs.

There are many more, but believe me, it is a city like a storm of flavors…

With the Mardin restaurants and restaurants map, you can choose the place you want and see the price, location, communication and comments . In the restaurants and restaurants , where you can find all the local flavors of the region , there are food options suitable for every budget with varying prices.

Click on the map for current and online Mardin restaurants in 2020.

Where is Mardin, How to Go?

It is one of the most cultural and authentic cities of the southeast region. Thousands of local and foreign tourists are flowing under the name of cultural tours. You can visit these civilizations with tours organized by plane and bus from all over Turkey.

By bus to Mardin; There are direct bus services to Mardin from many cities in Turkey. You can even walk around many places in Mardin and eske Mardin.

By Mardin Car; There is a route that I made for your trips to the Gone East, and I have written in detail where, how to go, how many kilometers and hours it takes, where to visit, all within the route.

Detailed south east tour by car You can also read how to do it.

Mardin Airport: There are planes to Mardin from all major cities, especially in spring and summer.

How Many Km Is Mardin?

How many kilometers is it from Midyat to Mardin? 68 km. 1 hour
How many kilometers is it from Diyarbakir to Mardin? 93 km. 1 hour 20 min
How far is it from Sanliurfa to Mardin? 189 km. 2 hours 20 minutes
How many kilometers is it from Batman to Mardin? 141 km. 2 hours
How many kilometers is it from Adıyaman to Mardin? 297 km. 4 hours
How many kilometers is it from Ankara to Mardin? 1028 km. 11 hours
How many kilometers is it from Istanbul to Mardin? 1476 km. 15 hours