MARDIN
Mardin is the gilded fortress of Upper Mesopotamia, famous for its ancient stone architecture and stunning views over the vast plain. It is a harmonious mosaic where history, culture, and faith converge.
This city is an open-air museum, a vital trading hub on the Silk Road that has been home to diverse empires and communities for millennia. It offers a unique journey into the region’s deep past.
Most Popular Attractions
Mardin Old City Core:
Old Town Mardin Alleys: The heart of the city, a labyrinth of winding, cobblestone streets best explored on foot, recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
Mardin Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami): The city’s primary symbol, an 11th-century Artuqid structure famous for its elaborately carved, fluted minaret dominating the skyline.
Old Mardin Post Office (PTT): A striking 19th-century mansion, renowned for its beautiful stonework, elegant main staircase, and picturesque courtyard.
Mardin Bazaar (Tellallar Çarşısı): A lively historic market area adjacent to the main street, where you can find local spices, hand-beaten copperware, and telkari silver jewelry.
Historic Mardin Houses: The iconic yellow limestone residences built with unique Artuqid architecture, huddled on the hillside, often offering stunning panoramic views.
Mardin Castle: Perched atop the hill like an “Eagle’s Nest,” offering the most commanding view of the city and the entire Mesopotamian plain. (Currently a military zone, viewable from below).
Cumhuriyet Meydanı (Republic Square): A central gathering point in the old town, featuring a statue of Atatürk and located near the Mardin Museum.
Mardin Museum: Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, it displays archaeological and ethnographic artifacts spanning Mardin’s millennia-long history.
Mardin Religious & Educational Heritage:
Deyrulzafaran Monastery (Mor Hananyo): The magnificent 5th-century “Saffron Monastery,” one of the most important centers for the Syriac Orthodox Christian faith.
Kasımiye Medresesi: A monumental 15th-century Islamic theological college featuring stunning courtyards and architectural details, built by the Aq Qoyunlu dynasty.
Zinciriye Medresesi (Sultan İsa Medresesi): A 14th-century Artuqid madrasa famous for its ornate doorway, twin domes, and rooftop terraces offering one of the best city views.
Forty Martyrs Church (Kırklar Kilisesi): A historic Syriac Orthodox church dating back to the 4th century, still an active place of worship with beautiful interiors.
Mor Gabriel Monastery (Saint Gabriel): One of the oldest functioning Syriac Orthodox monasteries in the world, located in the nearby Tur Abdin region.
Latifiye Mosque: A smaller, historic community mosque in the Old City known for its intricate stone carvings and local significance.
Şehidiye Mosque and Madrasa: An impressive complex showcasing fine examples of Artuqid stonemasonry and traditional Ottoman architecture.
Mardin Province & Day Trips:
Dara Ancient City/Ruins: The remnants of a major 6th-century Byzantine garrison and border city, featuring massive rock-cut cisterns and a striking necropolis.
Midyat Old Town: A nearby historical town renowned for its preserved Syriac-Mardin architectural style, often visited for its silversmiths and historic houses.
Beyazsu Stream: A popular spot known for its lush green scenery and flowing water, providing a cool natural escape from the city’s arid climate.
Savur: A small, picturesque town known for its historic stone houses and cliffs, often likened to a miniature version of Mardin.
Sakıp Sabancı City Museum: Housed in a beautifully restored army barracks, this museum showcases Mardin’s history and features rotating art exhibitions.
Emir Hamam / Savurkapı Bath: A functioning, centuries-old Turkish bath where visitors can experience a traditional, historic bathing ritual.
Merdis (Tellermerdis): An ancient mound and surrounding area near the city that provides archaeological context to Mardin’s deep roots in Mesopotamia.
Activities & Experiences
Wander the Labyrinthine Alleys of Old Mardin: Get lost in the UNESCO-listed Old City’s narrow, winding cobblestone streets, admiring the honey-colored Artuqid stone houses and covered passageways (abbaras).
Climb the Zinciriye Madrasa Rooftop: Visit this impressive 14th-century theological school for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the vast plains of Mesopotamia stretching toward Syria.
Tour the Deyrulzafaran (Saffron) Monastery: Take a short trip outside the city to explore this stunning, active Syriac Orthodox Christian monastery, which served as the seat of the patriarchate for centuries.
Explore the Ancient City of Dara: Visit the extensive ruins of this significant Roman-Byzantine fortress city, including its impressive rock-cut necropolis and cisterns, located about 30 km from Mardin.
Admire the Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque) Minaret: See the city’s most iconic symbol, a towering, fluted minaret dating back to the 12th century, which is visible from many points in the Old City.
Taste Traditional Syriac Wine: Sample the rich, distinct local wines produced by the Syriac Christian community, often made with locally grown grapes.
Experience a Traditional Turkish Hammam: Get scrubbed and revitalized in a centuries-old public bathhouse like the Sihhi Emir Hammam for an authentic cultural experience.
Go on a Day Trip to Midyat: Visit this nearby town famous for its well-preserved traditional stone architecture and its continued multicultural heritage of Syriac, Arab, and Kurdish communities.
Browse the Mardin Bazaar (Çarşı): Immerse yourself in the sensory experience of the Old City’s bustling market, shopping for local crafts, including famous Mardin soap, copperware, silver jewelry, and spices.
Sip a Mırra or Menengiç Coffee: Try Mırra, a highly concentrated, traditional bitter coffee, or a creamy, caffeine-free Menengiç coffee (made from pistacia terebinthus) at a terrace cafe overlooking the plain.
Visit the Kasımiye Madrasa: Explore the tranquil, expansive courtyard of this 15th-century madrasa, famous for its symbolic fountain representing the cycle of life.
Discover the Forty Martyrs Church (Kırklar Kilisesi): Step inside this 4th-century Syriac Orthodox church to view its beautiful courtyards and intricate interiors, reflecting Mardin’s diverse religious history.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking in Old Mardin is Essential: The Old City is a hillside labyrinth of narrow, steep alleyways and stairs, meaning it is best explored entirely on foot. Most historic sites along the main street and its side alleys are close together. Forget GPS—the fun is in getting a little lost.
Public Transport: Transportation within the wider city and to nearby towns primarily relies on minibuses (dolmuş) and local buses.
- Old City Access: The steep, historic center has very limited vehicular access, so minibuses and taxis usually drop you at the main street (1. Cadde / Cumhuriyet Caddesi), and you walk from there.
- Inter-City Buses & Dolmuş: Regular, affordable dolmuş run to surrounding areas like Midyat from the Mardin Otogar (bus station). For longer distances (e.g., to Diyarbakır or Şanlıurfa), long-distance buses are available.
Taxis and Tours for Monasteries: Key sites outside the city, like Deyrulzafaran Monastery and the Dara Ruins, have limited or no public transport. The most convenient way to visit them is by renting a car, taking a taxi (agree on a round-trip fare), or booking an organized day tour.
Airport Transfer: Mardin Airport (MQM) is about 20 km from the Old Town. Taxis are available, or you can use the airport shuttle buses for a more affordable option.
Multicultural Harmony: Mardin is a unique blend of Arab, Kurdish, Turkish, and Syriac Christian cultures. Respect for religious sites is paramount; dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) when visiting mosques and monasteries.
Local Delicacies to Try: Mardin cuisine is rich and distinct. Be sure to try:
- Sembusek: A savory, thin pastry turnover, often filled with minced meat and herbs.
- Kaburga Dolması: Stuffed lamb ribs, a traditional festive dish.
- İkbebet: Meatballs made with bulgur wheat and minced meat.
- Süryani Çöreği: A traditional Syriac cookie or bread flavored with mahlep and spices.
Best Time to Visit: The summers are intensely hot. The ideal months to visit are Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and pleasant for walking.
Respectful Photography: Mardin is visually stunning, but always ask before taking close-up pictures of people, especially in the markets or religious areas.
Hidden Gems:
- The Old Post Office (Mardin PTT): Tucked away on a side street, this beautiful stone building with a charming courtyard and famous inner staircase is a must-see architectural gem.
- The Old Governor’s Mansion (Devlet Konuk Evi): A beautifully restored traditional Mardin house, now open to visitors, that offers one of the best perspectives over the city and the plains.
- The Mardin Museum: Housed in a former Syriac Catholic Patriarchate, this museum offers an excellent collection of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts that help contextualize the region’s rich history.
Language: While Turkish is the official language, you will hear Kurdish and Arabic spoken in the Old City. Knowing a few basic Turkish phrases (Merhaba – Hello, Teşekkürler – Thank you) will be highly appreciated.
Top Restaurants
Seyr-i Merdin Restaurant Cafe [$15-$25] – A popular spot known for its delicious traditional Mardin food like kaburga dolması (stuffed lamb ribs) and stunning views of the Mesopotamian plains from its terrace.
Kebapçı Yusuf Usta [$10-$20] – A renowned, no-frills eatery favored by locals for its exceptional Mardin kebabs, offered in plain, spicy, pistachio, and walnut varieties, served with fresh flatbread.
Kaburgacı Dayım [$15-$25] – A local favorite specializing in traditional regional cuisine, especially their famous kaburga dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), with a focus on Kurdish and Arabic influences.
Cumbali Ev [$15-$25] – Tucked away from the main tourist crowds near the produce market, this pleasant spot offers an intimate feel and a range of traditional regional dishes.
Falafel Ammo Hamza [$5-$15] – A small, excellent spot for Syrian-style street food, famous for what many consider the best falafel and hummus in the city.
Suzana Cafe Restaurant [$10-$20] – Offers delicious, wallet-friendly traditional Turkish and local food, perfect for a casual and authentic meal.
Eyvan Mahalli Yemekler Salonu [$10-$20] – A modest and authentic spot known for serving up local, traditional home-style Mardin dishes.
Antik Sur Restoran [$15-$25] – Recognized for its dedication to traditional Mardin food, offering an authentic taste of the region’s culinary heritage.
Paşavat Fırını / Paşavat Local Mardin Pastry [$5-$15] – Not a main restaurant, but a local bakery famous for traditional Assyrian and local pastries (kiliçe) often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
Sadık Künefe [$5-$15] – The go-to place for dessert, specializing in high-quality künefe and also famous for its cold baklava.
Leyli Muse Mutfak Restoran [$20-$35] – A charming restaurant that serves many traditional Mardin dishes but also offers unique specialties like alluciye (stewed lamb with green plums) and is highly recommended for vegetarians and vegans.
Al Hayaal Cafe Restaurant [$20-$35] – Housed in a stunning old stone building with a gorgeous rooftop terrace, this restaurant is a favorite for its creative meze platters and traditional Mardin dishes.
Doboo Restaurant [$20-$35] – Known for its delicious and quality food, professional service, and a great location, offering a more contemporary dining feel while respecting local cuisine.
Kafro’s Pizzeria [$15-$25] – Located slightly outside the center (named after the village of Kafro), this unique spot offers alternative pizzas with sourdough, featuring local and seasonal variations, including vegetarian options.
Cercis Murat Konağı [$30-$50] – One of Mardin’s best-known fine dining experiences, occupying a beautifully restored stone house with terraces offering spectacular views and serving authentic local dishes like lamb with plum sauce.
Bağdadi Restaurant [$30-$50] – Offers a fine dining experience in a beautiful, opulent historic building, blending Turkish and Syrian cuisine. Specialties include a Mezopotamya meze platter and high-quality local dishes like kaburga dolması.
Leli Muse Mutfak [$25-$45] – While also appearing in the Modern & Creative category, its atmosphere and unique, refined take on traditional dishes like incasiye (lamb shoulder with black plums) often elevate it to a finer dining experience.
Şahmaran Sofrası [$25-$45] – A well-regarded restaurant that provides a sophisticated ambiance and focuses on high-quality, authentic regional cuisine, a popular choice for a more upscale experience.
Harire Mardin [$5-$15] – More of a cafe, but essential for its traditional desserts, particularly the namesake Harire (a molasses-based dessert), and unique local drinks like mırra (bitter coffee) and basil sherbet.
Teras Cafe & Restaurant [$15-$25] – Known less for a specific dish and more for its location, this is one of many terrace restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Turkish food with spectacular panoramic views of the plains.
Mekanı Fecr [$15-$25] – A traditional-style restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere, known for serving a variety of local, authentic dishes in a comfortable setting.
Artuklu Eski Konak Cafe & Kahvaltı Salonu [$10-$20] – Located in an old mansion, this spot is mainly known for its rich and traditional Mardin breakfast spread (kahvaltı), but also offers local dishes.
Marangozlar Çarşısı (Carpenter’s Bazaar) Food Stalls [$5-$15] – Not a single restaurant, but a place to find authentic, quick, and very local food like street sembusek (a kind of meat-stuffed pastry) and small local kebab or soup vendors.
Harput Dibek Kahve Evi [$5-$10] – A popular place for a traditional coffee experience, serving the local mırra (bitter coffee) and dibek kahvesi (a traditional blend).
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Rayhani Kasrı Terrace: Located in the Old City, this venue, part of a historic mansion hotel, is one of the premier spots for sundowners. Its stunning sky terrace offers panoramic views over the Mesopotamian plains, making it an ideal place to enjoy a local Assyrian wine or a beer in a sophisticated, historical setting.
Cercis Murat Konağı: A famous restaurant in a grand historical mansion in Old Mardin, known for its traditional regional cuisine. While primarily a dining spot, its beautiful courtyard and terrace setting allow for a more traditional evening drink, often featuring local wines and rakı (Turkish anise-flavored spirit).
Seyr-i Merdin Restaurant Cafe: Situated in Old Mardin with spectacular city and plain views, this large venue functions as a café, restaurant, and atmospheric spot for drinks. It is known for its incredible vantage point, especially at sunset, and offers alcoholic beverages like wine and beer.
Bağdadi Restaurant: Offering fine dining with a beautiful traditional atmosphere in the Şar neighborhood of Artuklu, this restaurant has a classy environment where patrons can enjoy a selection of Turkish wines and spirits with their meal or after.
Delmar Restaurant: Located on Cumhuriyet Caddesi (First Street), this spot is known for its delicious coffee, snacks, and lovely views. It has a relaxed atmosphere, sometimes featuring live music, and serves a selection of local beverages, including wine, which is not available in all Mardin establishments.
Mardin Evleri Teras Cafe & Restaurant: This venue capitalizes on the city’s key feature: the view. Located in the heart of Old Mardin, its terrace is a pleasant place to relax with a beer or local drink after a day of sightseeing.
Hattuşa Restaurant & Cafe: Found on the main street in the Old City, this location provides a traditional atmosphere and is a reliable spot for dining and enjoying a relaxed evening drink while observing the local life.
Artuklu Eski Konak Cafe & Kahvalti Salonu (Evening Service): While known for breakfast, this renovated old mansion in the historical center offers a cozy, authentic atmosphere that transforms into a quiet spot for evening relaxation and local drinks.
Erdoba Evleri (Selected Areas): Part of a complex of traditional stone houses converted into a hotel and dining/event space on 1st Street, some sections or terraces may offer local Assyrian wine, making it a unique stop for a local taste experience.
Harir-i Mardin Cafe: Primarily a traditional coffee and dessert house, it offers a beautifully decorated, historic setting in the Old City. While not a cocktail bar, it provides a sophisticated, alcohol-free alternative for a special evening out, focusing on local delicacies like mırra (bitter coffee) and traditional sweet drinks.
Leyli Muse Mutfak Restoran: A restaurant in the Old City with a focus on local and often vegetarian-friendly cuisine. Its pleasant dining atmosphere makes it a place where you can enjoy local beverages in a relaxed setting.
Dara Konagi Rooftop: The rooftop terrace of the Dara Konagi hotel in the Old City offers another stunning viewpoint for enjoying an evening drink in a historical mansion setting.
Mardin Galatist Kafe & Kahvaltı (Evening Drinks): Situated high up, offering phenomenal views across the plains of Mesopotamia. In the evenings, it functions as a relaxed venue where guests can enjoy a beverage with a spectacular backdrop.
Midyat Guest House (Midyat Devlet Konukevi) Cafe: Although located in nearby Midyat (part of Mardin province), this magnificent historical building is a popular tourist stop. Its cafe section provides a memorable place to sit, enjoy a non-alcoholic drink, and take in the panoramic views of Midyat’s old town.
Gülseren Cafe: A smaller, more local-feeling spot in the Old City, good for a casual beer or tea while soaking up the atmosphere of the historic streets.