6 Historical Structures of Mardin Reaching the Sky

Carrying the traces of thousands of years of history, Mardin is one of the main cities of Turkey that must be seen. Mardin, which is one of the first places that comes to mind when it comes to faith and cultural tourism today, is visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year thanks to its numerous places to visit. We have compiled the most important places to see in this historical city that bears the traces of many civilizations for you.

1. Deyrulzafaran Monastery

Deyrulzafaran Monastery, one of the most curious historical structures of the magical city of Mardin, is located approximately 4 km from the city center. The monastery, which is still important for the Assyrians, has a garden with plane trees and olive trees in addition to its deep-rooted history. The name of the monastery means "yellow" in Syriac, but according to some rumors, it is thought to have taken its name from the saffron that grows in its surroundings. Deyrulzafaran Monastery has a deep-rooted history dating back to the 5th century, but the area where it is currently located was used as a temple by the Sun worshipers. The structure, which was used as a fortress by the Romans in history, was converted into a monastery by Saint Şleymun. Later, it became and continues to be a place of pilgrimage for the Assyrians. There are many sections in the monastery. The monastery, which has a large structure, is one of the most curious places to visit in Mardin today.

2. Kasımiye Madrasah

Kasımiye Madrasah, one of the largest structures in Mardin, is one of the historical points that has managed to survive from the Artuqid period to the present day. Although its construction began during the Artuqid period, it is known that the construction of this magnificent madrasah stopped with the Mongol attacks. The madrasah was only completed between 1457-1502. There are several stories about the madrasah. The most well-known of these stories is that Kasım Pasha was murdered here. It is said that Kasım Pasha's sister rubbed the bloody shirt that Kasım Pasha was wearing when he died on the walls of the iwan here. In fact, when water is poured on those walls, red marks appear and it is believed that that blood is still visible. The madrasah, which is a domed and two-story structure, has a single and open courtyard architecture. Regular cut stone was used in its construction. The madrasah, which is actually located in a complex, is accompanied by a tomb and a mosque.

3. Kırklar Church

Also known as Mor Behnam Church… The church, which is open to visitors today, continues to be used as a place of worship. The structure, which dates back to the 6th century, is a church that has survived to the present day and managed to maintain its integrity. The church, which has three entrance doors, attracts attention with its mihrabs with fine stonework. It is also one of the best examples of stone carving.

4. Mor Gabriel Monastery

Located within the borders of Göngören Village in Midyat, the Mor Gabriel Monastery continues to maintain its place on the lists of places to visit in Mardin with its rich history. The number of people who do research on the monastery, which continues to attract attention especially by those interested in history, is quite high. The Mor Gabriel Monastery continues to be the oldest Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world. This structure, which continues its importance today, dates back to 397. It is known to have been built by Mor Şmuel and his student Mor Şemun on the ruins of a Zoroastrian temple. The monastery has maintained its strength from past to present. Midyat cut stone was used during its construction and continues to be a subject of curiosity with its Byzantine mosaics. In 2021, it was included in the World Heritage Temporary List by UNESCO. We say that it should be added to the lists of those who will soon pass by Mardin.

5. Zinciriye (İsa Bey) Madrasa

The Zinciriye Madrasa, one of the structures worth seeing in Mardin, is also known as the İsa Bey Madrasa. The same person was imprisoned in this madrasa, which was built by the Artuqid Sultan Melik Necmeddin İsa bin Muzaffer Davud bin El Melik Salih. The madrasa, built in 1385, is quite famous for its segmented domes. It is also one of the best examples of Seljuk architecture and ornaments. The madrasah, which continues to serve and exist as the Aksaray Museum today, is located in Mardin-Artuklu.

6. Mardin Castle

Mardin Castle, which has been used by many civilizations since its history, is one of the most magnificent structures in the city today. The castle, which was used by Babylonians, Assyrians, Sumerians, Byzantines and Romans, as well as Artuqids, Seljuks and Ottomans, has managed to bring many of its stories to the present day. You can embark on a journey where you will closely examine this structure, which Timur besieged and failed to capture three times. It would not fit into the pages to talk about the stories, but we are sure that you will hear plenty of stories about the castle during your trip.

Written by: Habibe Tokgöz