Mardin, Turkey: A Magical Journey Through History and Culture

Experience the magic of Mesopotamia in Mardin, where the history is rich, the alleys are winding, and the cats are friendly. Joins us as we explore this ancient city that’s been a melting pot of cultures for centuries

Mesopotamia. Madrasas. Mosques. Monasteries. Minarets. Few other places in Türkiye can ignite a sense of the exotic quite like Mardin. This blog post has the best places to visit and things to do in Mardin to experience the magic of Türkiye’s stone city. 

We spent four days in Mardin this recent spring, and we absolutely loved it. Mardin is an exotic place that transported us to another world and time. Perched on a hill overlooking the Mesopotamian plains, Mardin has a stunning location. We never got tired of peering down to the plains from above, which seemed different every time due to the changing light.

Its honey-coloured alleys reveal age-old stone mansions, bazaars, domed madrassas, hidden monasteries and towering minarets, while its cultural heritage is a fascinating blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian influences. You should really come to see this for yourself.

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in Turkey, put Mardin at the top of your list.

Quick Guide to Mardin

When did we go? The first week of April. Spring in this part of Turkey is gorgeous.

Where did we stay in Mardin? Artuklu Kervansaray

How long to spend in Mardin? At least 3 days

How to get to Mardin: Mardin is located in the far southeast of Turkey near the Syrian border. Most convenient way to reach Mardin is by is by plane. We flew with THY from Ankara (1.5 hours flight) and returned to Istanbul (2 hours flight).
Bus and dolmus connect Mardin to other cities in southeast Turkey, such as Sanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Harran and Midyat.

How to get around Mardin: Havabus from the airport will drop you at or near your hotel. We paid TRY 45 per person from the airport to the old town. Returning to the airport, we paid TRY 200 for a taxi which took roughly 20 minutes.
The best way to see Mardin is on foot.

Where to Stay in Mardin

However, it’s worth noting that hotels in Old Mardin are generally more expensive and tend to get booked up quickly. So plan and book in advance if you want to stay in the Old City. On the other hand, Yenişehir offers cheaper rooms but requires taking a bus or taxi to reach the attractions of Mardin.