Mardin
City guide · Southeastern Anatolia · Turkey
Old city with Artuqid architecture · Historic citadel at the top of the rocky ridge
About Mardin
Mardin is a historic city in southeastern Turkey, known for its distinctive Artuqid architecture and its strategic position on a rocky hill overlooking the Mesopotamian plain. The old city is built on the southern slope of a long hill topped by a rocky ridge, with the historic citadel at the top. The city has a mixed population of Kurds, Arabs, Mhallami, and Assyrians, and its history spans from the Neo-Assyrian period through the Artuqid dynasty, Ottoman rule, and into the modern Turkish Republic. Mardin was placed on Turkey's Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage nomination in February 2000.
Who this destination fits
Highlights worth planning around
Strong fit
- Distinctive Artuqid architecture in the old city, including mosques, madrasas, and other Islamic buildings
- Strategic hilltop location offering panoramic views over the Mesopotamian plain
- Rich multicultural history with Syriac, Armenian, Kurdish, and Arab heritage
- Listed on Turkey's Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage nomination
Tradeoffs
- Very hot summers with temperatures that can easily reach 40°C (104°F)
- Located near the Syrian border, which may be a consideration for some travelers
- Limited current operational information available in the evidence base for attractions, transport, and services
Plan the trip
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are likely the most comfortable seasons, as summers are very hot with temperatures that can easily reach 40°C (104°F), and winters are chilly, wet, and occasionally snowy between December and March.
Planning lead time
Not specified in the evidence base
Decision factors
Safety
Not specified in the evidence base
Getting around
Mardin Airport is located to the southwest, 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the old town. The newer parts of the city are on lower ground to the northwest and feature modern amenities and institutions.