Mardin
Mardin's old town is the historic core of Artuklu, the central district of Mardin Province in south-eastern Türkiye. It covers the southern slope of a long hill above the Mesopotamian plain. The houses are built of local beige limestone and rise in terraces. Türkiye placed the old city on its UNESCO Tentative List in 2000.
The Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) dates from the Artuqid period of the 12th century. Higher up, the Zinciriye Medrese of 1385 has two ribbed domes and a view over the plain. The Mardin Museum occupies the former Syriac Catholic Patriarchate, built in 1895.
Mardin Airport is about 20 km from the old town. The main street, 1. Cadde, runs for about 2 km; the side lanes are steep, stepped and closed to cars. July highs average about 36 °C, so walk early or late. Check opening hours before you go.