We are Noemi & Lorenzo and in this article we will be introducing you to the incredible city of Mardin. We are an Italian couple from the province of Prato near Florence. Our desire to travel comes from a passion to discover the world and experience cultures. After years of backpacking, and having a dog with us, we decided to take a long journey with a house on wheels.
So far we have been traveling in Turkey for almost three months. Starting in Istanbul we visited the Black Sea coast, the Kurdish area (Mesopotamia) and the major tourist spots such as Mount Nemrut, Cappadocia, Lake Tuz, Pamukkale, etc. We also spent a few days on the southern coast – including Olympos, Kas and Patara. Now we are heading inland to go to Istanbul.
The best moments from this trip were when we got hosted in local homes, which made us understand the beauty of Turkish hospitality. Another highlight was Mardin. It was a city we had wanted to visit for a long time and it met/exceeded our expectations. We stayed for four nights at Mardin Karavan Park located in a strategic place – close to the old city by foot.
Four Magical Nights in Mardin
We thoroughly enjoyed our four night stay in Mardin. It’s like an open-air museum. For us, it was one of the most fascinating places in all of Turkey. Mardin is located in the Mesopotamia region and with its 3,000 years of history, it’s one of the oldest cities in the world. Even today, when you walk through the alleyways of the old city, you can breathe in its rich heritage.
One spot that we loved in Mardin was Zinciriye Medresesi – a complex of buildings that acts both as an educational and spiritual fortress. It was built back in 1385. Here you find lovely courtyards and a beautiful mosque. Also, from the terrace, there are spectacular views on offer of the old city and the landscapes of Mesopotamia. This is the first must-visit attraction in Mardin.
Top Attractions to Visit in Mardin
As well as checking out Zinciriye Medresesi travelers should stroll the streets of the old city and admire the bazaar, pay a visit to the Grand Mosque and take photos, stop by the historical site of Zinciriye Medresesi, see the Mor Hananyo Monastery and Dara Antik Su Sarniclari. These are the main places not to be missed, all of which are historically significant.
Need to Know Before you Go
To top it off, have tea at sunset in a bar with a panoramic terrace. In sum, Mardin is a secret treasure of Turkey that every traveler should visit. Before you go, remember that Mardin is in Kurdistan and Kurds are even more hospitable than Turks. Don’t hesitate to accept their invitations into their homes as these are memories you will carry with you in your heart forever.
