Dara Ancient City
Dara Antik Kenti
A frontier fortress city where the Eastern Roman Empire confronted Persia, with a huge underground cistern, rock-cut tombs and city walls that are breathtaking. Often called the 'Ephesus of Mesopotamia'.
Dara Ancient City was built around 505 by the Byzantine emperor Anastasius I and served as a frontier fortress where the Eastern Roman Empire faced the Sasanian Persians. The ruins are scattered across today's Oğuz village. The most impressive feature is the huge underground cistern, known as the 'underground church', along with a large cemetery cut into the rock, where the ossuary chambers are clearly visible. City walls, dams and granary remains are still being excavated. Entry is covered by the museum pass. Dara is about 30 km from Mardin, close to the Syrian border, and about 40 minutes by minibus or taxi.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 (extended hours in summer)
Nearby sights
- Deyrulzafaran Monastery
- Sakıp Sabancı Mardin City Museum
- Şehidiye Mosque
- Mardin Old Bazaar
- Great Mosque of Mardin
- Zinciriye Madrasa
- Mardin Castle
- Mardin Old Town