Mardin Old TownStory N° 11
Mardin Monasteries and Ancient Mesopotamia
Discover Mardin's ancient Syriac monasteries, Mesopotamian plains and 2000-year-old stone city on an extended cultural journey
The itinerary.
4 days · 11 stops
Thursday
Day One
Arrive in Mardin, walk the old city and enjoy panoramic Mesopotamian views at sunset
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Mardin Old City Panorama Walk
The golden limestone city cascades down a hilltop. Walk the main street (Cumhuriyet Caddesi) at sunset for spectacular views over the Mesopotamian plain.
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Zinciriye Medresesi
14th-century Islamic seminary with one of Mardin's finest rooftop panoramas. A quiet, beautiful spot away from the main drag.
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Cercis Murat Konağı
Famous restaurant in a 19th-century mansion serving authentic Mardin cuisine. Order içli köfte and kaburga dolması. cercismurat.com
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Hotel
Reyhani Kasrı Boutique Hotel booking.com
Friday
Day Two
Deyrulzafaran Monastery — the world's oldest continuously inhabited monastery
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Deyrulzafaran Monastery
5 km from Mardin, this Syriac Orthodox monastery has been inhabited since 4th century AD. Daily guided tours at 8:30 and 10:30. One of the most spiritually powerful sites in the Middle East.
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Mor Gabriel Monastery (day trip)
80 km from Mardin, the world's oldest functioning Christian monastery (founded 397 AD). Still home to a small community of Syriac Orthodox monks and nuns. Hire a driver for the day (~600 TRY).
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Artuklu Mutfağı
Local restaurant serving Mardin's distinctive cuisine — mırra (bitter coffee) and firik pilaf must be tried.
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Hotel
Reyhani Kasrı Boutique Hotel booking.com
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Getting around
- Taxi from old city to Deyrulzafaran (5 km, ~100 TRY each way)
- Hire private car for Mor Gabriel day trip — hotel can arrange
Saturday
Day Three
Midyat silver bazaar and the honey-coloured stone villages of Tur Abdin
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Midyat Town
35 km from Mardin, Midyat is the silversmithing capital of the southeast. The old Syriac Christian quarter (Estel) has beautiful stone mansions. Midyat is also the filming location of Turkish TV series Sıla.
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Midyat Çarşısı
Buy authentic telkari (filigree silver) jewellery directly from the artisans. Prices are excellent compared to Istanbul.
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Beyaz Köşk Mardin
Rooftop restaurant with the best views in Mardin. Order the lamb tandır and finish with katmer dessert.
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Hotel
Reyhani Kasrı Boutique Hotel booking.com
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Getting around
- Dolmuş (minibus) from Mardin to Midyat departs regularly from Mardin bus station
- Return dolmuş or taxi back to Mardin
Sunday
Day Four
Mardin Museum, final bazaar shopping and departure
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Mardin Museum
Housed in a restored 19th-century mansion, covers Assyrian, Roman and Ottoman history. One of Turkey's finest regional museums. Entry: 90 TRY.
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Mardin Bazaar
Final shopping — local spices, menengic coffee, handmade soaps and Mardin olive oil. Much cheaper than tourist shops in Istanbul.
Location.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need for Mardin Monasteries and Ancient Mesopotamia?
4 days. The itinerary runs from Thursday to Sunday and covers 11 curated stops across 4 days.
How much does Mardin Monasteries and Ancient Mesopotamia cost?
Mid-range — €150–300 per day per person.
Where do you stay during Mardin Monasteries and Ancient Mesopotamia?
Reyhani Kasrı Boutique Hotel is the recommended base for the trip; the full hotel list per day is in the itinerary section.
What's included in the Mardin Monasteries and Ancient Mesopotamia itinerary?
Day-by-day stops at 11 restaurants, museums, viewpoints and landmarks; transportation hints between each leg; and a hotel base in Mardin Old Town.
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