Mardin, Turkey - Travel

Have you ever read about the ancient civilisations and wondered how it would feel to walk through those cities as if you belonged there? Look no further! The ancient capital of the Artuqid Dynasty (Artuklu Beyliği) and the current seat of the Mardin Province, the city of Mardin in Turkey (Türkiye), can make that dream a reality for you!

With an estimated population of 133,381 (2022), this small town attracts more and more tourists every year. Flights from Istanbul to Mardin only last 2 hours, and for a relatively low price, you can enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate - a gorgeous city near the Syrian border that has maintained its original appearance despite rapidly growing urbanisation.

Whether you explore the characteristic architecture at Zinciriye Madrasah (Sultan İsa Medresesi) or drive 40 minutes outside of the city to see the Dara Mesopotamia Ruins, witness the Mesopotamian legacy of fertile soil, crossroads for different cultures and religions, and one of the key points in the old Silk Road routes.

Mardin Tours

Located just around 25 kilometres from the Syrian border and 200 kilometres from the Iraqi border, exploring Mardin will transport you to civilisations that preceded us, lived lavishly and left behind an extensive historical and cultural heritage. The charm of this city is felt at every ancient building and cobblestone road, with views as gorgeous as a Renaissance painting.

Whether you like travelling for exploring new cultures, religions, architecture or local food, Mardin is ready to welcome you warmly, leaving you with a sense of belonging like no other.

From kite-making masterclasses and wine tasting to hiking tours and camping trips, this small city has enough activities lined up to keep you entertained for as many days as you decide to spend here. Stroll through the local markets to find unique handicrafts from local artisans, taste the regional cuisine to discover new favourites, and most of all, have fun in Turkey’s southeastern getaway to Mesopotamia!

Best Time to Visit Mardin

Mardin weather is affected by a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers. On the contrary, winters are quite cold and wet, with occasional snowfall. The best time to visit Mardin heavily depends on what kind of holiday activities you’re looking for and the levels of heat you’re willing to tolerate.

For the most part, spring and autumn months are the mildest out of all the seasons. Temperatures are pleasant, with enough sunlight to fully immerse yourself in the Middle Eastern fantasy. Walking along the narrow cobblestone streets at a slight incline is more comfortable with fewer layers of clothing, just enough to shield you from the evening breeze.

The sun loves this place, with over 3000 hours spent shining over Mardin. In saying that, consider yourself lucky if you catch the fog covering the town’s castle. It adds a mysterious charm to the city and makes wandering through the historical sites a pinch more cinematic.

History of Mardin

The history of Mardin, Turkey, takes us on a journey of unexpected turns and leaves us with the reminder of a rich cultural legacy. From the heart of “the cradle of civilisation” that was Mesopotamia, to modern-day Turkey – the mark that different peoples have left behind on this region resulted in unique architecture, a diverse environment and stunning landscapes for you to enjoy.

A Neo-Assyrian document has a mention of a road leading to Mardiane, a settlement that is thought to be present-day Mardin – once again proving how far its history stretches. Over the centuries, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, Mongols, Safavids and Ottomans have left their own small markings and characteristics on the city. Additionally, the Silk Road has brought materials and items from the Far East – transforming the way of life.

The most impactful era for Mardin turned out to be at the height of the Artuqid dynasty reign, from 1103 onwards. During the rule of this Oghuz Turkish family, several mosques, madrasahs, and other historical Islamic buildings were built here. So, when you roam the streets lined with ancient educational or religious institutions, remember that they exist thanks to the Artuqids.

The mediaeval period was also important for its demographic distribution. A significant Assyrian and Armenian population consequently brought Armenian Apostolic, Armenian Catholic, Syriac Catholic, Syriac Orthodox, and other religious views into one tiny space. According to one Venetian merchant, at one point Christian Armenians and Jews in the city outnumbered Muslims.

From the 16th century onwards, Mardin was controlled by a governor operating under the Ottoman Sultan’s authority. This era was marked by a relative stability for the city, despite a few sieges here and there that were quickly quelled. However, the onset of World War had catastrophic consequences for Assyrian and Armenian populations in Mardin, with the survivors eventually ending up moving to the nearby Qamishli in the 1940s.

The 1990s industrialisation resulted in the development of the newer part of the city, at the foot of the hill. Today, the well-preserved appearance of the original limestone buildings attracts the attention of many tourists seeking an immersive experience in Mardin's rich history and culture.

Things to Do in Mardin

With the view of the Mesopotamian plains, the small city of Mardin has a plethora of interesting and unique activities to offer and things to do.

Landmarks and Places to Visit in Mardin

Embark on an unforgettable journey starting in the Old Mardin (Eski Mardin), where narrow cobblestone streets and honey-coloured Mardin Houses showcase the historical legacy of the city. The very top of the hill is taken up by the glorious Mardin Castle (Mardin Kalesi). Even though it is now closed to visitors, you can still enjoy the panoramic views over the Mesopotamian plains from that general area.

Just like any other major city of Türkiye, Mardin also has a Grand Mosque you can explore. This architectural masterpiece has a distinctive dome, whose external grooves later became a traditional element in local buildings. Eventually, your feet will lead you to Cumhuriyet Meydanı, Mardin’s lively central square, where local cafes and shops bring the city to life.

Experience the unique charm of the Mardin Cat Street, where you get a chance to pet friendly felines and browse through some vibrant local shops. Garbage-collecting donkeys have now retired. These animals were used to shoulder the trash in narrow alleyways of Mardin.

The Seljuks left a remarkable architectural legacy on this town, one example being the Zinciriye Madrasah, a 14th-century educational institution that offers its visitors a panoramic view of ancient Mesopotamia. Another gorgeous madrasah in the city you have to visit is from the Artuqid period. The Siti Radviyye-Hatuniye Medresesi is a 12th-century building with intricate carvings. It is considered one of the first examples of iwan madrasahs – with a rectangular hall or a vaulted space with only one open side. The Savurkapı Bath (Savurkapı Hamamı) in the same building is a huge bonus you can fully indulge in!

You might also want to visit Christian churches, like the Orthodox Holy Forty Martyrs Church, Veliko Tarnovo (Aziz Kırk Şehitler Kilisesi) and Mardin Protestant Church, or the local synagogue , which proves how diverse this city really was from the very beginning.

Admire the Mor Hananyo Monastery (Deyrüzzaferân Manastırı) and the Tsepta Fortress on the Eskikale Road driving up to it. Also known as the Monastery of Saint Ananias, Mor Hananyo Monastery's site is located only about 5 kilometres from Mardin. Upon arrival, the first thing you will notice is the gorgeous view over Upper Mesopotamia, and the history that comes with it will only mesmerise you even more.

Mardin Museums

The city’s turbulent historical legacy is best highlighted in Mardin museums. Start from the Mardin Archaeology and Ethnography Museum (Mardin Arkeoloji ve Etnografya Müzesi), where you have a chance to see artefacts from different periods, including Assyrian, Roman and Ottoman. It is a perfect spot to familiarise yourself with the rich historical background of Mardin.

The Sakıp Sabancı Mardin City Museum (Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi), in conjunction with the Dilek Sabancı Art Gallery, is another must-see place in the city. This exhibition space that is divided by units showcases authentic characteristics and handicrafts of the town. If you are looking for a visual representation of local history, you will definitely enjoy it here.

Mardin Yaşayan Müze is a place where you can experience authentic Turkish culture, with an emphasis on the city of Mardin. The hosts will tell and show you a lot about the art and the traditional rituals of the region, with some visitors saying that this was their favourite place to visit in town.

If you have some more time to visit other landmarks in the city, we recommend the Kasimiye Madrasah (Kasımiye Medresesi) – another piece of architectural wonder from the Artuqid dynasty. A special item you can see there is the reproduction of an elephant clock, a water clock, designed by Ismail al-Jazari (Cezerî), a 12th-century Muslim engineer.

Mardin Theatres

For those interested in theatrical and cultural performances, Mardin offers a few venues showcasing talented groups of local artists. Mardin Artuklu Üniversitesi Konferans Salonu often hosts plays, concerts and exhibitions in its intimate auditorium that the university’s students participate in. Going there would be a perfect opportunity to support the youth of this region.

Mardin Gençlik ve Kültür Evi is a place to be embraced by Mardin’s extensive history and diverse culture. Performances, seminars, exhibitions of local craftsmen, and folk concerts are the usual events held here. So, if you want to learn more about the local artists, this is the perfect place to see them firsthand.

Theatrical plays can also be viewed at the Şaneşîn Performans venue. This is a more modern space on the outskirts of the city, aimed at adults. Get comfortable in the small auditorium and get ready to be impressed!

A bigger hall for performances is located at the northwest of the city’s outskirts. Cemal Yay Kongre ve Konferans Salonu is a modern, comfortable environment with larger attendance capability than the rest of the venues mentioned above. It is situated at the Yay Grand Hotel building and offers a variety of events, ranging from plays to poetry recital evenings.

Vicinity and Beyond Mardin

A few more places you need to visit are the Dara (Mesopotamia) ruins (Dara Antik Kenti), 35 kilometres from the city centre, and a small town of Midyat, both a must-see for history lovers! The former was one of the most important fortress cities in the East Roman Empire, serving as a prominent location during the Roman-Persian conflicts of the 6th and 7th centuries. Additionally, Midyat is interesting with its blend of Turkish, Kurdish, Arab, and Assyrian cultures. It was originally a Syriac Christian town with a mostly Syriac Orthodox population. You can visit the city’s museum, clock tower, Midyat Caves, old historical houses, as well as mosques and Christian churches.

If you want to explore the region and are willing to travel a little further outside of Mardin, you can visit a small town in the Batman Province called Hasankeyf, which was recognised as a natural conservation area by Turkey in 1981 for its unique architectural pieces - one of them being the Mausoleum of Zeynel Bey, the son of Sultan Uzun Hasan of the Aq Qoyunly dynasty.

Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping in Mardin

Entertainment

From the kite workshop at Zahit Mungan Uçurtma Atölyesi to the hiking and bicycling trails, you will find yourself entertained no matter what your interests are.

Parks of Mardin

Mardin is surrounded by quite a few sizable recreational areas. Probably the most important of them all is Mardin İli 80 Yıl Cumhuriyet Ormanı, a national forest. You can experience the city’s conservation efforts up close while simultaneously enjoying a scenic hike. And the best part is the magical view that overlooks kilometres of Mesopotamian landscape.

A popular weekend getaway spot for locals and tourists alike is the Kamor Millet Bahçesi. Grab your picnic blanket and delicious food and prepare to have a good time!

Mardin Kasımiye Millet Ormanı, a national forest on the southwestern side of the settlement, will greet you with a humble but pleasant environment. A few gazebos in the park give you a chance to enjoy the surrounding nature in the shade while you talk among your company, have a refreshing lunch or play card games.

15 Temmuz Parkı is perfect if you have younger children. The colourful playground area will entertain your kids while you sit on the bench or take a walk around the park.

Shopping in Mardin

The city is filled with small shops and local masters’ workshops, where you have a large variety of souvenirs to grab before you leave. Right in the heart of the Old Mardin you will find an alleyway, otherwise known as Tellallar Çarşısı (Revaklı Çarşı). Here, tourists can purchase locally made jewellery, posters and paintings, food, spices, various household items, textiles, and many more! The city is famous for its copperware production, so be on the lookout for handmade items. The whole experience is amplified by the gorgeous historical architecture and stone floors lining the whole street.

On the northern parallel street, you can find another big bazaar of the town - Hasan Ammar Çarşısı. From electronics to toys and jewellery, you can find a lot of interesting and unique items here. So, prepare your wallet to ensure you have enough Turkish liras in it!

Besides local merchants’ businesses, bigger shopping centres are also readily available for you. Mardin AVM, Mardian Mall AVM and Emirgan Alisveris Merkezi are some of the more highly rated establishments you can browse through.

Food in Mardin

Fresh herbs and spices permeate the air everywhere you go. The combination of coriander, chilli peppers, ginger, and almond creates a characteristic taste of Mardin that you will keep craving long after you’ve left this city.

Cadde Street in Old Mardin is lined with numerous traditional restaurants with good reviews from past visitors and a wide array of Turkish dishes on their menu. The Middle Eastern influence is apparent here. Mardin Tabağı, literally meaning “Mardin Plate”, is a must-try. It consists of stuffed ribs (Kaburga Dolması), kebab, bread with meat filling, Sembüsek, stuffed meatballs, oven casserole and Harire, a type of local dessert made of walnuts and grain sugar. You might see different variations of this meal, some having stuffed aubergines and other local delicacies. Prepare for an explosion of tastes in your mouth!

This region is famous for its soups (çorba), with almost every traditional restaurant having them on their menu. If you’re in search of good soul food, order the famous kişk soup at Cercis Murat Mansion (Cerciş Murat Konağı). Other must-try gems of Turkish cuisine include Mardin kebab, alluciye (sour plum stew), incasiye (plum pan with molasses), and dobo (lamb leg with almonds and spices), as well as appetisers like hummus, çiğ köfte (chee kofta), tebbuli (tabbouleh), tebbel, muammara and kiremfum.

Don’t forget to taste a homemade Assyrian local wine variety called Mardin Suryani Sarabi at Gabriel Silver and Gold shop! This unique beverage is slightly sweet yet, somehow, slightly spicy as well - offering an unforgettable tasting experience to wine connoisseurs.

Vegetarian Restaurants

Have a little lunch getaway at Falafel Ammo Hamza, a Syrian restaurant with delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals that specialises in falafel; or book a dinner at Hamdani Restaurant, a traditional Turkish restaurant that has quite a wide array of plant-based meals on the menu. Additionally, JB Vegan is a fully vegan cafe you can eat at while enjoying a nice view overlooking the city.

Coffee Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries

Mardin offers a wide selection of coffee houses, bakeries and patisseries you can go to. After walking around and visiting the city’s main landmarks, you can step into any coffee shop in the old town and taste Mırra, the legendary coffee from Mardin. This dark beverage is usually served in a smaller cup and has an intensely bitter taste. If you prefer sweeter coffee, there are plenty of options for you as well! We recommend trying Menengiç, a Kurdish coffee that provides a milder drinking experience compared to Mirra.

When it comes to desserts, Mardin boasts quite a few bakeries both in the old town and the new one. Kahiye Mardin and Ildo Pastry Junction Branch are two different options you can try. The former is located 750 metres from the Mardin Yaşayan Müze and offers a more traditional experience. As opposed to this, the latter is situated in the newer part of the town and has a more Western feel with foreign and traditional desserts on the menu.

Almonds are popular here. So, sugar-coated almonds are a must-try! In Mardin, this traditional treat differs from other variations. It is blue in colour, with a plant-based dye first turning it indigo, which eventually turns light blue.

City Transport in Mardin

Mardin is a very walkable city, especially in the tourist areas, but it can pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. The streets are narrow and safe, equipped with appropriate infrastructure. In case you prefer to travel around the city via a bus, car or taxi, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Buses and shuttles

Buses and shuttles are the most common modes of transportation in the area. They operate on main roads and narrow streets, with stops located throughout the city within a 5- to 10-minute walking distance of each other.

Taxis

Yellow taxis are a staple of Turkey, and Mardin is no exception. You can find them parked on every busy street. If you’re in a more rural area, you can always book them via a phone call by yourself or by asking the hotel staff to do it for you.

Car rental

Car rental is a common service offered here. Rent A Car Mardin and Söz1 Rent A Car work 24/7 and are highly reviewed by their previous clients. They’re both located in the newer part of the city. One thing you need to keep in mind is the parking situation. Due to the layout of the historical area, parking spaces can be difficult to find. It’s a good idea to ask car rental companies for recommendations regarding parking options.

Other Modes of Transport
As already mentioned, Mardin is a very walkable city. To have the most authentic experience, we advise you to walk wherever you can.

How to Get to Mardin?

The easiest way to get to Mardin is by air. So, pack your bags and buy the plane tickets! Mardin Airport (MQM), named Mardin Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar Airport, has been operating for the past 26 years, currently working with four airlines – AJet, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress, and Turkish Airlines.

Another good option is to travel by bus or rental car. The former option is more affordable, while thelatter provides more comfort.

Languages Spoken in Mardin

This city has historically been home to many diasporas that have left their linguistic mark on the region. Turkish is the most commonly spoken Mardin language, as it is the official language of the country. Additionally, you will hear Kurdish, Armenian, Arabic, Greek, Syriac and English here. Tourist spots are frequented by local merchants who have conversational knowledge of multiple languages, so you can expect open communication!

Currency in Mardin

The official currency all over Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY). Since this city is home to many local merchants and small businesses, it is a good idea to always carry some cash. You can exchange the money in advance or withdraw it from one of the ATMs.

Only in Türkiye...

The lira coins are treated with utmost respect because they feature the image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Security in Mardin

As of early June 2025, Mardin welcomes travellers with a stable environment, though it is essential to stay informed about the regional context, particularly due to recent events in neighbouring Syria. Before planning your visit, we recommend checking the latest travel advisories from your government to ensure a smooth journey.

The Turkish government has proactively implemented enhanced security measures in Mardin, particularly in response to the security risks near the Syrian border. Travellers can expect reinforced controls at the airport and bus stations, along with an increased presence of police patrols throughout the city, ensuring a safe atmosphere for visitors.

Mardin is known for its rich history and stunning architecture, making it a captivating destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and the local police are dedicated to maintaining order and safety. However, as with any travel experience, it is wise to take personal precautions. We advise avoiding solitary walks late at night, securing your valuables and important documents, dressing modestly when visiting religious sites, and adhering to traffic laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Being informed will help you plan your trip to Mardin in the safest way possible. Reading extra information on the official government websites and reputable news outlets is always a good idea. We wish you a nice holiday surrounded by Turkey’s Mesopotamian legacy!