Mardin Old Town
Mardin Eski Şehir
A hillside old town of honey-coloured stone, where the main street, stepped lanes and covered arcades weave together, and rooftop cafés overlook the Mesopotamian plain.
Mardin's Old Town spreads across the southern slope of Mazı Mountain. Its axis is Cumhuriyet Caddesi, the main street that runs parallel to the contour lines, and countless narrow stepped lanes and vaulted covered passages called 'abara' branch off above and below it. Limestone houses feature finely carved window frames and lintels. A mosque's minaret stands alongside a church bell tower, reflecting centuries of coexistence among religions. Along the streets are shops selling silverware, copperware, almond sweets and soap made from wild pistachio. Watching the sunset from a rooftop café with a cup of 'mırra', a bitter local coffee, while looking out over the plain is a classic experience. The old town is steep and cars struggle to get in, so wear non-slip shoes and plan to explore mostly on foot.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Latifiye Mosque
- Mardin Museum
- Forty Martyrs Church (Mor Behnam)
- Mardin Castle
- Great Mosque of Mardin
- Zinciriye Madrasa
- Mardin Old Bazaar
- Şehidiye Mosque