Weekend Escape Route: Mardin

'‘A city where the day is a day and the night is a necklace... Mardin...’'

There are some cities where you feel your soul slow down as soon as you enter. Mardin is just such a place. While you have a thousand and one thoughts in your mind along the way, all of them slowly fade away when you start walking down the first stone street of the city. Sitting on a terrace overlooking the Mesopotamian plain in the early morning, you feel like you are watching not only the view but also yourself. Time flows differently here. On one street you are silent and just listen to the stone walls, on another corner you are immersed in an old story told by someone you don't know. Everything is simple, sincere and heartfelt. Not crowded but lively, not flashy but impressive. In this article, I would like to share with you the two days I spent in Mardin, the roads I walked, the food I tasted, the voices I listened to. All of them will be a sincere note, a small suggestion, perhaps the beginning of your journey.

Why should you come to Mardin?

There is actually no need to count too many things to come to Mardin. When you take your first step, you feel like you are in another time among the stone streets. People don't just live there, they seem to be living there. When you look at the Mesopotamian plain as the sun rises, you feel relieved, there is a little bit of history and a little bit of love in every bite you eat. Coming here is not just a trip, it is actually a small journey. Something inside you changes, becomes a little heavier, a little fuller. My recommendation is to read Zülfü Livaneli's book Huzursuzluk (Restlessness) first to better grasp this feeling.

1. Kasımiye madrasah and @deyrulzafaranmanastiri museum should be visited.
2. Mardin Grand Mosque, Kirklar Church, Mardin Art Street, Zinciriye Madrasah (go to the top floor. Mahmut Orhan's music video place), Maturation Institute, (all places to visit and see on foot in Old Mardin).
3. There is also a shopping mall in Ancient Mardin, but there is no trace of its coldness. Cinemas, the latest vision movies. The bookstore Ekin Yayın Basım, which organizes Book Days, also takes the lead. 

4. Midyat: Midyat is a museum-like district like Mardin. Everywhere smells of history and culture. It will impress you with its narrow streets, stone houses, handicrafts, food and friendly people. The city's image is formed by the rising Assyrian churches. They are quite interesting structures. You should visit at least one of them. Deyrulumur Monastery is another must-see place in the district.
5. The road to Nusaybin first takes you to the ancient city of Dara. Beyazsu village is crowded with locals and visitors, especially on weekends, so it's worth a visit if you can handle the crowds. Xurs, a small Assyrian village in Kızıltepe, is a nice stop to feel the local culture. The narrow streets of Midyat draw you in with its unique texture. Kafro Village, about 30 km away, is famous for its pizza and is one of the rare places that reflect the warmth of Assyrian culture. Holy places such as Mor Gabriel Church and Mor Jacob Church are very valuable both in terms of history and faith. In addition, Zeynel Abidin's mausoleum, the 13th-generation grandson of the Prophet and Mor Evgin Monastery are among the hidden treasures of the southeast. Gırnavas Mound is another stop for those who love historical discoveries.
6. Savur is a town where time seems to stand still, like something out of a storybook. It is like a small Mardin with its old houses and stone streets. Kıllıt Village (Dereiçi) is a must-see; it fascinates visitors with its unique atmosphere and calmness.

Where and What to Eat in Mardin?


1. First of all, I would single out Mardius Historical Mansion for food. You can find many local dishes at Cercis Murat Mansion. The dishes made of plum stew, cashew and lamb are quite different and delicious. I had the chance to taste the food accompanied by Syriac music at Cercis Murat Mansion...

2. Bagdadi is another one of the best restaurants, I recommend you to taste the stuffed ribs. The appetizers are very good. Its structure is very authentic and tells the story of Mardin. You can try the shank kebab with plum.
3. At the end of the street you can eat kebab at Yusuf Usta, the prices are reasonable and the food is delicious. Its pistachio kebab is famous. There is Kebapçı Mecnun near the courthouse. You should try Mardin kebab in both of them, but my favorite is Kebapçı Yusuf. The food is also great at Antik Sur Restaurant (ask for Mardin plate) and eat Semmüsek.
4. It would be a great idea to have a coffee at Seyri Mardin. You will be in old Mardin and you will not get enough of Mesopotamia.
5. At Kabadayı Beşir'in Yeri (Kabadayı Beşir'in Yeri), you should try the sheet roasted meat and delicious appetizers.
6. Kebapçı Rido (they have one kind of kebab and it is amazing).
7. There is Kösem Restaurant in Midyat, the meat is excellent, you should go there too.
8. In the bazaar in Old Mardin, Sembusek in the bakery whose name I remember as Yasemin lahmacun Sembusek Salonu is wonderful, try it for sure!
9. I also recommend @yorem_et_lokantasi_fahri_usta in Mardin for local dishes.
10. A meal with a view at Seyr-i Mardin is also a good idea.
11. Assyrian wine and almond candy should also be tried.
12.  You can also go to Leyli restaurant in the center of Mardin, there are also drinks.

What else to do in Mardin?

Take a walk in the narrow streets of Mardin
Must see Old Mardin Houses
Visit the Midyat State Guesthouse where popular TV series were filmed
Examine hand-embroidered products at Bakırcılar Bazaar
Take a souvenir photo in Gurs Valley
Get some Mesopotamian rugs,
You might like anything with a Shahmeran figure.
🏡 Details for accommodation on the blog http://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/mardin-hotels 
✌🏻 I am waiting for your recommendations for Mardin. Where should we go, what should we taste, what should we do?