MARDIN

Experts believe people first settled in the city of Mardin around 4500 BC making it one of the oldest settlements of Upper-Mesopotamia. The buildings in this old city are made of limestone and its winding matching limestone streets are too narrow for vehicles, so you will find people getting around the city on horses and donkeys! This city is an open-air museum that contains architecture from many different periods throughout antiquity. To name just a few, the Hittites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Seljuks, and Ottomans have all left their mark on this fascinating city. 

Famous Local Sites: Ulu Mosque, Dara Ruins, Deryulzafaran Monastery, Kasimiye Madrassah, Kirklar Church, Zinciriye Madrassah

Must Try Local Eats: Iskembe Dolmasi, Irok (Breaded Meat Balls), Onion Kebap