Location: Mardin
Top Things to do in Mardin
10 Things to Do in Mardin That You Shouldn't Miss
Mardin (Kurdish: Mêrdîn, Syriac: ܡܶܪܕܺܝܢ, Arabic/Ottoman Turkish: ماردين Mārdīn) is a city and multiple (former/titular) bishopric in southeastern Turkey. The capital of Mardin Province, it is known for the Artuqid (Artıklı or Artuklu in Turkish) architecture of its old city, and for its strategic location on a rocky hill near the Tigris River that rises steeply over the flat plains.
Restaurants in Mardin
1. Deyrulzafaran Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By Rod F - Royal Wootton Bassett, United Kingdom
This was built on the site of a pagan sun temple, which was converted to the monastery. Interestingly it has been shown that the earlier temple demonstrated the arch keystone principle before the discovery of the true arch. The main church is lightly embellished, and has one chair for the prior, and one for the bishop. There is a single fresco of 13th century date. In one room is a printing press dating back to the 1870s, and only the second ever to be used in Turkey. There are a couple of baldechins, and a model of the monastery made out of matchsticks. The piece-de-resistance though is the final resting place of the priors. There are 4 sarcophagi in a chapel containing the remains of the 52 previous priors. When the incumbent prior died, he was interred fully clothed in a sitting position, the bones of his predecessors being moved to make way for him. A thoroughly interesting complex. Visited in May
2. Great Mosque of Mardin
3. Kasimiye Madrasha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By Mine A - Istanbul, Turkey
A must see historical building in Mardin. It feels like the whole Mesopotamia Valley is right under your feet. The beautiful sun and the atmosphere (also helpful local staff) helps you take great pictures. I enjoyed a lot and really recommend this place. FYI Around 15.00 is a great time to visit.
4. Dara Mesopotamia Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By en_voyage_300_600 - Sacre-Coeur-Saguenay, Canada
located within walking distance to the Syrian border, dara may be a bit hard to reach from mardin. I ended up hitch hiking along the main road.
Located in the Mesopotamian plains, dara is a striking contrast with nearly Turkish topography. A feel of goreme the way the structures are built, its a.site that will need more excavation and effort. Free to enter when I went, some local children were causing trouble inside ( I was the only tourist) and while they didn't even look at me, the site management quickly expelled them. The one sadness is the lack of care given to the site and sheer amount of degradation.
Most surprising to see Roman structures si far east too. Don't miss southeast Turkey and the Kurdish people.
5. Mardin Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Xphilosopherking - Community of Madrid, Spain
This museum only cost us two liras each.
It is not very large, but that is fine. It gives you a basic idea of the history of the city with a couple of artifacts and displays. All material is in both Turkish and English.
The real high point is downstairs in the art museum, where you can see the sketches of Marius Bauer, who traveled in the Ottoman Empire and left us drawings and notes about his travelers. Both my companion and I liked this display the most.
If you're in Mardin, this is a must-visit, even if only for 30 minutes, though we spent over an hour again.
6. Sabanci City Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By fmackUk - UK
Very small museum with a permanent expo area (very 'folksy' about local cooking etc.) and temporary expo which was a bit more interesting. Only 2 lira to get in though.
7. Zinciriye Medresesi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By GUL G - Eskisehir, Turkey
Zinciriye medresesi was an old traditional education center. It is used as language school of Harran univercity. You have to climb a lot of stairs to reach the center. You can see one of the local water Fountain in the innergarden.
Here is the story of the water Fountains in the city:
The point where the water comes represents the birth, a new life.Then water falls to small polls, represents baby and childhold.Then water comes to a big and long poll means young.Water passes from narrow one which means the old.Then water comes to a big pool. This is dead.
Some of the water passes from the surface of the pool which is too hot especally in summer time, means hell. Some of the water passes from the bottom and water the garden, gives life to plants means a new life, heaven.
8. Mardin Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Cocobar - Vienna, Austria
Mardin is like a fairy tale, like a painting, so many details to see, lovely, helpful and friendly people everywhere. Walk through the lovely streets to Mor Behnam (Kirklar) church, stroll along the "main street", the jewel shops are incredible, so are the varieties of coffee brands, soaps and all kinds of local products (like sumac). Eat local specialities like "icli köfte" (wheatballs filled yith spicy minced beef) or filled ribs. Mayhurma is a unique desert you can get only in Mardin, made of dates and grape syrup. The archeological museum is small, but even worthwile to visit because of it's beautiful building. Beautiful artifacts!
9. Kirklar Kilisesi
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Cocobar - Vienna, Austria
Go there passing the old streets of Mardin (not along the main street). The son of the preacher guided us, a great experience. Beautifully maintained, many interesting details to see, as the iron door, door knobs, the churchyard, prayer books and the church itself.
10. Sehidiye Camii
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Rod F - Royal Wootton Bassett, United Kingdom
Another mosque where our timing coincided with prayer time, and we were unable to view the interior. However, it is worth visiting for the outstanding entrance. Descending a flight of steps, the entrance is boldly decorated. Visited in May
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