Highlights
Places to visit in Mardin
Mardin, a unique mosaic of history and culture, tells a different story in every corner. This ancient city takes its visitors on a journey through time with its stone streets, unique architectural structures and mystical atmosphere. If you want your trip to Mardin to start with a modern and comfortable experience, you can rent a car easily with RentiCar from Mardin Prof. Dr. Aziz SANCAR Airport or the city center. Ideal for setting your own schedule and freely exploring the historical texture of Mardin, this option allows you to make the most efficient use of your time. Let's explore the streets of this fascinating city together and experience the history, culture and natural beauties of Mardin.
Historical Places of Mardin
Mardin Castle
Mardin Castle, a must-see among the places to visit in Mardin, has shaped the silhouette of Mardin for centuries as one of the symbols of the city. Located on a strategic hill, the castle offers magnificent views of the Mesopotamian plain. Therefore, the castle is an indispensable stop for both history buffs and photography enthusiasts. The rich history of Mardin Castle, which has been home to many civilizations throughout history, contains stories hidden in every stone. Visit the castle, explore Mardin's panoramic views of the city and capture unique moments for photography.
You can find the location of the castle here
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
Topping the list of places to visit in Mardin, Deyrulzafaran Monastery is one of the most important religious buildings in Mardin and has a great spiritual importance for the Syriac Orthodox community. The monastery takes its name from the saffron engraved on its walls, which was used as a valuable dye in ancient times. Still an active religious center today, Deyrulzafaran offers visitors its historical structure and peaceful atmosphere. You can visit this sacred place to explore the mystical ambience of the monastery and learn about religious rituals.
You can find the location of the monastery here.
Zinciriye Madrasa
Zinciriye Madrasa, one of the places to visit in Mardin, is one of the architectural wonders of Mardin, located at one of the points offering the most beautiful views of the city. Bearing the traces of the Artuqid period, this building attracts attention with its detailed stone work and carvings. You can witness the unique views of Mardin from the courtyard and terraces of the madrasa. Zinciriye Madrasa, which stands out with its historical and architectural structure, is an important learning center that sheds light on the history of the city.
You can find the location of the madrasa here.
Old Mardin Houses
Mardin is known as the city of stone and history, and this is most evident in the old houses of the city. Old Mardin houses stand out for their unique architectural features and aesthetic beauty. They are usually built of yellowish-brown limestone stone and line the narrow streets. Traditional Mardin houses are famous for their large courtyards, high ceilings and detailed stonework. The windows are usually low and wide and designed to keep the interiors cool. In addition, many of these houses have magnificent terraces from whose roofs and upper floor balconies you can enjoy views of the city and surrounding area. These historical houses of Mardin are like living museums reflecting the cultural identity and past of the city.
Religious Buildings in Mardin
Grand Mosque
Ulu Cami, one of the historical places to visit in Mardin, is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the city. Dating back to the Artuqid period, this magnificent building has a unique structure that reflects the elegant stonework and architectural features of the period. In the interior of the mosque, artistic details such as the minbar and mihrab decorated with rich geometric patterns attract attention. These details represent rare examples of Islamic art and architecture. The peaceful atmosphere of the Grand Mosque is the perfect setting for prayer and for exploring the aesthetic and architectural beauty of this historic building.
You can find the location of the mosque here.
Mor Behnam (Kirklar) Church
The Mor Behnam (Kırklar) Church is considered one of the most important Christian buildings in Mardin, showcasing the religious diversity of the city. This historic church serves as a spiritual center of the Syriac Catholic community. The church's architecture is particularly famous for its remarkable stone carvings and frescoes. Various religious ceremonies and events organized throughout the year offer visitors the opportunity to experience this cultural heritage in a vibrant way. The church is also a gathering point for religious festivals and community gatherings.
You can find the location of the church here.
Natural Beauties in Mardin
Dara Ancient City
Another attraction of Mardin, the ancient city of Dara is located on the outskirts of the city and is notable for its rich history. Dating back to the Roman Empire, this archaeological site is especially famous for its military architecture and large necropolis areas. Dara was once a major military and trade center, with many structures such as cisterns, tombs and churches still visible today. The labyrinthine underground structures and fairytale-like atmosphere of the ancient city offer visitors unforgettable moments. Not to be missed for archaeology and history buffs, this place sheds light on Mardin's prehistoric and early history.
You can find the location of Dara Ancient City here.
Mardin Vineyards
Mardin is also known for its well-developed vineyards and deep-rooted winemaking culture. The local grape varieties produced in the region are the product of rich soils and ideal climatic conditions. Mardin vineyards offer unique tasting tours and vineyard excursions for wine lovers and gastronomy tourists. Visitors can explore the vineyards with guided tours, learn about grape growing and taste wines unique to the region. In Mardin, where the winemaking tradition is so deeply rooted, a visit to a vineyard offers the opportunity to get to know the rich cultural mosaic of the region.
Mardin Food and Beverage Recommendations
Mardin continues to fascinate its visitors with its rich and varied cuisine. Among the prominent tastes of Mardin cuisine are local delicacies such as kebabs enriched with spices, hawthorn soup, sembusek and stuffed ribs. Restaurants and cafes in the city offer these traditional flavors with modern presentations. One of the especially recommended places is Kafro's Pizzeria. This unique restaurant, which blends the art of Italian pizzeria with the historical texture of Mardin, is located in Kafro Tepeköy, an Assyrian village. It was opened by an expatriate who returned to his village and is famous for its pizzas cooked in a traditional stone oven. Kafro's Pizzeria has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, known for its unique pizzas made with regional ingredients.
Accommodation and Transportation
Mardin offers visitors a variety of accommodation options, from boutique hotels in restored historic stone buildings to guest houses that reflect the warm hospitality of the locals. While staying in the city, you can enjoy the unique architecture and historical atmosphere of Mardin. In terms of transportation, one of the most practical and comfortable options for getting from Mardin Prof. Dr. Aziz SANCAR Airport to the city center and the surrounding touristic places is car rental service with RentiCar. By renting a car, you can wander the narrow and historic streets of Mardin and have the flexibility to visit other districts and villages in the surrounding area. This is an ideal option, especially for those who want to explore the region at your own pace.
