Dara Ancient City

Dara Ancient City is a historical settlement located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey, within the borders of Oğuz Village, 30 kilometers southeast of Mardin. It was built as a garrison city in 505 AD by Emperor Anastasius of the Eastern Roman Empire for defense against the Sassanids.

History of Dara Ancient City

Dara is considered one of the most important settlements of Upper Mesopotamia. The city, founded under the initiative of Emperor Anastasius, was surrounded by 4 kilometers of walls. The citadel is located on a hill 50 meters high at the northern end of the city. Structures such as a church, palace, bazaar, dungeon, armory, and dam are found within the city. Additionally, Late Roman Period cave dwellings can be observed in the surrounding areas.

According to ancient sources, Dara was described as one of Rome's most important border fortresses. The Roman historian Marcus Junianus Justinus portrayed Dara as follows:

"Seleucus built a city named Dara on Mount Zapaortenon, such that no place could be more secure or more pleasant; for it is surrounded by cliffs so steep that it needs no guardian due to its location. The fertility of the soil at its base is so abundant that it stores its own produce. It is a place full of many springs fed by ample streams, along with trees and all the pleasures of hunting."

Some historians suggest that the Battle of Gaugamela between Alexander the Great and Darius III took place in this region, and the name Dara was inspired by Darius. Although this information is not confirmed by archaeological data, the region’s resemblance to the area in Mosul thought to be the site of the battle, as well as its location on the historic Silk Road, makes Dara significant in this regard.

The city came under the control of the Umayyads in the late 7th century, followed by the Abbasids, and later the Ottomans in the 15th century.

Visiting Hours and Entry Information for Dara Ancient City in 2024

Dara Ancient City is open to visitors every day of the week. Visiting hours vary by season:

Summer Period (April 1 – October 1): 08:30 – 18:00

Winter Period (October 1 – April 1): 08:00 – 17:00

However, the ancient city is closed on Mondays.

Entrance Fee: Admission to Dara Ancient City is free of charge. Visitors can explore this historical site without any entry fee.

Transportation and Location of Dara Ancient City

Dara Ancient City is situated 8 kilometers north of the Mardin-Nusaybin highway, in Oğuz Village. It is approximately a 30-minute drive from Mardin city center by private car. Since public transportation options are limited, it is recommended to use a private vehicle or taxi.

Places to Visit in Dara Ancient City

The main structures to explore in the ancient city include:

⛪ Rock-Cut Tombs: A burial site carved into natural rock formations.

🏛️ Churches and Monasteries: Religious structures from the Christian period.

🛡️ Walls and Towers: Defensive structures surrounding the city.

🏰 Monumental Buildings: Remains of the palace, bazaar, and other public structures.

💧 Aqueducts and Cisterns: Structures that supplied water to the ancient city.

These structures reflect the rich history and architectural features of Dara.

Important Information about Dara Ancient City

🏨 Accommodation: There are no lodging options near the ancient city. The nearest accommodations are in Mardin city center.

🍽️ Food and Beverages: A small café is located at the entrance of the ancient city, but Mardin city center offers more extensive dining options.

🗺️ Guide Services: No official guide services are available at the site. However, you can use the routes provided by the GeziBilen Digital Guide for detailed information.

Dara Ancient City offers visitors a unique experience with its historical and architectural richness. It is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in exploring different cultures.