What to See in Mardin: 6 Top Things to Do
Mardin is an ancient city with charming Arabic architecture and narrow, sometimes steep streets that cascade down a rocky hill, crowned by a towering fortress. From the rooftops and through rare gaps in the high walls, you can enjoy breathtaking views of ancient Mesopotamia. To truly experience the Eastern atmosphere and breathe in the spirit of history, lose yourself among the thousand-year-old stone walls, which often resemble those of a medieval castle. Wander for a few hours along these historic streets, just as visitors to this city did hundreds of years ago, immersing yourself in the rich history that surrounds you.
Mardin is a city where Eastern traditions blend seamlessly with modernity, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. Adorned with elegant minarets, labyrinths of narrow streets, and stone houses, this ancient city offers travelers an unparalleled experience full of history, culture, and genuine Eastern hospitality. On this page, you’ll learn what to see in Mardin, Turkey, and find answers to other common questions.
About the City
Mardin is an ancient city in southeastern Turkey, located in a rocky area on the Mesopotamian plateau. Due to its location and distinctive architecture, the city is sometimes referred to as the “Turkish Jerusalem.” This ancient city is one of the most unique historical centers not only in Turkey but also in the entire Middle East. Mardin’s historical roots date back to Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian civilizations. Later, it became part of Armenian, Abbasid, Seljuk, and Ottoman heritage, reflected in its rich cultural legacy and diverse architecture. ALT+Title: Mardin City (Turkey)
The architecture of Mardin is stunning—time seems to have stopped here in the 18th century, if not earlier. Stone houses decorated with exquisite ornaments, narrow streets, and colorful locals all contribute to the city’s unique character. Mardin’s rich cultural heritage attracts tourists from all over the world, but most visitors are Turks themselves. This helps preserve a special Eastern charm, though hotel, restaurant, and other staff rarely speak foreign languages except for Arabic, so using Google Translate is often necessary.
To me, Mardin is not just a city; it’s a place where centuries and cultures converge, creating an inspiring and unique atmosphere. It’s also intriguing because you can see Syria from here without crossing the border. Thanks to its elevated position, the city offers stunning views of the northern plains of Syria.
6 Essential Experiences in Mardin
Mardin is a relatively small town with about 100,000 inhabitants. Despite its modest size, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Mardin.
1. Stroll Through the Old Town
The Old Town is the main reason to visit Mardin, and no trip is complete without a stroll through its narrow streets. Prepare for constant ups and downs, as the terrain is hilly, but due to the small area, you won’t get too tired. It might be challenging with small children in some places, but you’ll surely enjoy the well-preserved ancient streets and stone houses.
Walking through the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town feels like stepping into an oriental fairy tale from One Thousand and One Nights. High stone walls and massive doors conceal both simple homes and luxurious courtyards with fountains and gardens. It often seems as if time has stopped here, and life continues as it did centuries ago. Children play with a ball that bounces off the sturdy walls. A woman washes clothes behind a half-open door. An elderly man carves intricate patterns on a copper jug. A donkey, loaded with large sacks and led by its driver, turns a corner. This timeless atmosphere is what makes the Old Town so enchanting.
The Old Town is filled with countless shops and restaurants, as well as great photo spots. For convenience, you can take a taxi to the upper part of the Old Town and walk down. Plan at least 2 hours for the walk and try to arrive before 8 PM, as many places close around 9 PM.
2. Buy Blue Almonds
Blue almonds (Mardin badem şekeri) are a city hallmark you can’t miss. At the very least, you should try them, but they also make great gifts to bring home since they store well. The glaze is completely natural, made from the root of the Lahori tree, giving it its unusual blue color. Blue almonds are sold throughout the city, but it’s better to buy from trusted places:
Most vendors offer free samples, so you can find your own favorite place to buy truly good blue almonds. Here are some tips I received in Mardin:
- Color: Avoid intensely blue almonds; they likely contain artificial coloring.
- Thickness: The glaze should be minimal; otherwise, you’re paying mostly for sugar.
On tourist streets, there are also plenty of almonds, including good ones, but the prices are often higher. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s easier to walk to the shops where locals buy their almonds.
3. Dine at Leyli Muse Mutfak
Leyli Muse Mutfak is a restaurant-museum in a historic building with excellent cuisine, located in the city center. It’s a great choice for both a full dinner and a light snack. But it’s better to set aside time for dinner as they serve incredibly delicious dishes. My favorites were:
- Kaburga Dolması (Stuffed ribs)
- Erikli Kuzu Yani (Lamb with plums)
- Harire Tatlısı (Dessert – a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and tahini sesame paste)
You can order dishes to your taste or get a “set menu,” which includes several dishes, drinks, and dessert. The lira’s exchange rate fluctuates, so here’s an approximate cost of the set menu in dollars – about $50-60 per person.
- Address
- Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
4. Visit the Grand Mosque
When strolling through the Old Town, be sure to visit the Grand Mosque, known in Turkish as “Tarihi ULU CAMİ.” You can’t drive directly to the mosque due to its location within narrow streets, but the walk to the mosque through tight walls only adds to the charm. It may be challenging with small children, as there are many steps to climb. During namaz (Muslim prayer), the mosque can be crowded, especially during evening prayer or on Fridays. So, I recommend checking online for prayer times and choosing a convenient time to visit.
- Address
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Visit Duration: 30-60 minutes
- Cost: Free
5. Watch the Sunset with a View of Ancient Mesopotamia
Mardin has many observation decks with views of ancient Mesopotamia, including some hotels and restaurants, but the best place to watch the sunset is from the Zinciriye Medresesi observation deck. The castle above this spot has limited access. The observation deck is on the mosque grounds. You can enter the mosque only until 6 PM, but the open areas are accessible 24/7.
- Address
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Visit Duration: 30-60 minutes
- Cost: Free
6. Try Delicious Bread at a Local Shop
Mardin is memorable not only for its architecture, history, and views but also for its bread. The smell of fresh bread is everywhere, making it impossible to resist trying it. It’s not only delicious but also charming, as bread is made right there and sold hot. In the morning, you might have to wait in line, as Turks buy loads of fresh bread for breakfast. Try out this wonderful bread at Matador Ekmek Fabrikasi!
- Address: Matador Ekmek Fabrikasi
- Hours: 7:30 AM–10 PM
And again, stroll through the old town!
Where to Stay in Mardin
There are plenty of accommodation options in Mardin to suit any taste and budget, from hostels to five-star hotels.
Kaya Ninova Hotel
I stayed at Kaya Ninova Hotel, a great choice for its convenient location, affordable price, and atmospheric rooms. Some rooms at Kaya Ninova Hotel offer views of the city, so ask for one at reception.
The hotel is close to major attractions, so you won’t even need to drive anywhere; everything is within walking distance. For example, you can reach the Grand Mosque or the observation deck in just 5 minutes. The reception is open 24/7, and the staff speaks English. The only downside is that the hotel is on a busy street, so it can be noisy if your room faces it. As an alternative, consider Hilton Garden Inn Mardin. It’s located at the city entrance, ideal for travelers with a car. The advantage of this hotel is the view.
The rooms and the observation deck offer breathtaking views of the valley, but the trade-off is that the hotel is on the outskirts, so you’ll need to travel to see the attractions.
FAQs
To make your trip to Mardin smoother and more enjoyable, I’ve compiled answers to common questions.
Is it safe in Mardin?
There are rumors that Mardin is unsafe. These are often backed by the fact that it’s predominantly inhabited by Kurds and Arabs, not Turks. But in reality, Mardin is safe, and even more so—the people are very hospitable and friendly. Maybe the people in Mardin are so warm and kind because the city hasn’t been spoiled by foreign tourists yet, but I felt great at any time of day.
How to get there?
Mardin has an airport—Mardin Prof. Dr. Aziz SANCAR Havalimanı, with regular flights from Istanbul and seasonal flights from other cities, including Antalya. Flights from Istanbul cost around $60-70 if you book in advance. You can also get there by bus. There are routes from all nearby cities—Gaziantep, Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa, and others, as well as from Istanbul. You can buy a ticket online in advance through obilet.com. For example, the route from Istanbul to Mardin by bus takes about 18 hours and costs approximately $50.
How many days should I spend in Mardin?
To fully appreciate the richness and beauty of Mardin, I recommend spending at least two days. This will allow you to explore the city’s incredible sights without rushing.
Mardin is worth visiting just for this city, but I recommend planning an entire trip through Southeastern Turkey—Mardin, Gaziantep, and Sanlıurfa. Read more about traveling through Southeastern Turkey on this page.
Anastasi Fink
