INTRO
Every Day
Situated on the rocky outcrop facing the fertile plains of Mesopotamia and resembling an open -air museum with its beautiful stone houses, arched streets called abbara’s , busy bazaars, mosques and churches Mardin will mesmerize you with its calm friendly atmosphere. Mardin has a vibrant Christian heritage and Christians and Muslims have always intermingled rather than living in separate quarters which you can still feel this tolerance in the atmosphere of the city.
Mardin also has an amazing culinary heritage which you will have a chance to try in this trip.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Take the early morning flight to Mardin. Upon arrival your local guide will meet you at the Airport and start the first day of Mardin Tour.
Following sites will be visited today.
Kasimiye Madrasah - This medrese is located of southwest of the city of old Mardin. Even there is no inscription , it is known that the construction of Kasimiye Madrasah started in Artuqid Period. This Madrasah is regarded as the largest structure in Mardin and until today it was used for several purposes. Symbols of astronomy and medical science are observed on the walls of Madrasah.
Zinciriye Madrasah – This old Madrasah is one of the best-preserved buildings of Mardin and it’s noted for the stunning views from its rooftop that has the entire view of the Town and the Mesopotamian Plains below.
Forty Martyrs Church – The 4th Century church which still holds services every Sunday which visitors are welcome to attend.
Mardin Museum – Mardin Museum is set in one of the town’s 19th – century grandest residence’s which was the headquarters of the Syriac Catholic Patriarchate. The well -curated collection inside is small but even the building is worth visit simply to walk through its ornate courtyard and terraces.
Sakip Sabanci Museum – This is the best place to visit in order to understand the life in Mardin and through the centuries and town’s cultural and religious mix of Muslim, Assyrian Christians and Kurds.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery – This Syriac- Orthodox Christian Monastery dates from 5th century but has been restored twice.
Free time will be given for you to explore the town by walking which is the best way to discover this castle town. Mardin Bazaar, small side streets and worth a visit.
For dinner we recommend the award-winning restaurant of Cercis overlooking at the Mesopotamian planes , best time to go just before sunset.
Overnight in one of the boutique hotels in Old Town.
Day 2 – After breakfast in the hotel start the second day of Mardin Tour. The first stop will be Dara Ancient City.
Following sites will be visited today.
Dara – The ancient Roman city of Dara is 40 kilometers southeast of Mardin is one of the less known hidden attractions. Archaeological work is still continuing here and in recent years extensive area of rock -cut tombs and two separate underground cisterns were discovered.
Tur Abdun Monasteries More Gabriel Monastery - 10 km east of Midyat Two of the most interesting churches are Mor Yakop and Mor Kyriakos Monasteries.
Midyat - About 60 km east of Mardin, Midyat has an atmospheric Old Town, maze of alleyways is packed with lovely old stone houses, silversmith center and very nice market place to explore.
After Midyat return back to Mardin and take the evening flight back to Istanbul.
Or continue Hasankeyf to see whatever is remaining from flooded reservoir of the Ilisu Dam.
Some of the centuries – old monuments and mosques from the old town were relocated to the new town and a museum is open for the displays for the findings from Hasankeyf.
