A day in Mardin's old town: medreses, bazaar and a monastery

Mardin is in south-eastern Türkiye, near the Syrian border. The old town lies on the southern slope of a hill above the Mesopotamian plain. Its houses and mosques are built of local limestone. This route covers the main sights in one day, with an afternoon trip to a monastery outside town.

Getting there

Mardin Airport is in the Kızıltepe district, about 20 km from the old town. Turkish Airlines, AJet and Pegasus fly there from Istanbul, and AJet also flies from Ankara. A Havaş bus runs into town in line with flight times. The intercity bus station is about 4 km north-east of the old town.

Morning: the main street and the Great Mosque

The old town stretches about 2 km from east to west along 1. Cadde, the main street. The bazaar lies below it, down narrow lanes and stairs. In the market area stands the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), an Artuqid building of the 12th century. Its ribbed dome set a pattern for later domes in Mardin. The present minaret dates from 1888–1889.

Back on the main street, the Mardin Museum shows the archaeology of the region. It opened in 2000 in the former Syriac Catholic Patriarchate, a building from 1895.

Midday: Zinciriye and Kasımiye

The Zinciriye Medrese, also called the Sultan İsa Medrese, stands above the main street in the Medrese quarter. It dates from 1385. Its carved entrance and two ribbed domes are the main features. The roof terrace looks out over the plain.

The Kasımiye Medrese stands outside the old town to the west. Work began under the Artuqids and was completed in the 15th century under the Akkoyunlu ruler Kasım. Two storeys of arcades surround a courtyard with a pool. The building now houses the El Cezire Art Museum. Allow time for the walk, or take a taxi.

Afternoon: Deyrulzafaran Monastery

Deyrulzafaran (Mor Hananyo) is about 5 km east of the city. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism dates the monastery to the 4th century. It is a religious centre of the Syriac Orthodox community and holds the graves of 52 patriarchs. Visits are by guided tour, and modest dress is expected. There is no public transport, so most visitors agree a return fare with a taxi driver.

Walking effort and heat

The main street is fairly level, but the lanes above and below it are steep and stepped. Cars cannot enter them. Summers are hot: the July average high is about 36 °C. Plan the walking for the morning and late afternoon, and keep the monastery trip for the middle of the day.

Opening hours and ticket prices change, so check them on the day. The castle at the top of the hill is a military site and is closed to visitors.