Things to do in Mardin

Known for its historical texture, cuisine, architecture and cultural richness, Mardin has become an important center of cultural tours today. Most visitors ask their Mardin friends the following questions before visiting this beautiful city: What are the things to do in Mardin?, places to see in Mardin?, where should I visit in Mardin, what should I eat in Mardin, what to do in Mardin, etc. The city has been home to different cultures for centuries. For this reason, it offers many options to visitors. If we were to make a list of things to do in Mardin, it would be as follows;

1- Visit the Historical Mardin Houses

While walking through the narrow streets of Mardin, you can find the opportunity to discover the historical houses famous for their stonework. These houses reveal the architectural richness of the city.

2- Mardin Castle

Mardin Castle is located at the highest point of the city and attracts attention with its dazzling view. Although it is an important stop waiting to be discovered for history enthusiasts, it is unfortunately closed to visitors. But getting closer to the walls and watching the plain view from there will satisfy you more than enough.

3- Deyrulzafaran Monastery

Located 4 km east of Mardin, this ancient monastery is a major religious center for the Syriac Orthodox community. The monastery deeply impresses its visitors with its historical and religious atmosphere.

4- Mardin Museum

The Mardin Museum is adorned with many works reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. The museum informs its visitors by providing in-depth information about the city’s past. The Mardin Archaeology and Ethnography Museum is home to many important works in a wide range from Assyrians to Persians, Greeks to Romans and Islamic periods.

5- Mosques and Madrasahs

The Ulu Mosque in Mardin, Kasımiye Madrasah and other historical mosques and madrasahs reveal elegant examples of Islamic architecture and add a unique richness to the city’s architectural texture.

6- Mardin Bazaars

The historical Mardin Bazaar, where you can find local handicrafts, spices, filigrees and many more, is a perfect place for shopping.

7- Midyat

Located very close to Mardin, Midyat is known for its stonework and historical churches. The Mor Gabriel Monastery and Midyat mansions, located here, are among the important places to visit.

8- Mardin Cuisine

Mardin cuisine is known for the rich flavors it offers. Stuffed ribs, sembusek, içli köfte and Mardin’s unique harire dessert are among the flavors that must be tried. You should also not miss the opportunity to taste şelengö, Midyat melon, Mardin cherry and Mardin grapes, depending on the season.

9- Visit Traditional Handicraft Workshops

You can discover the intricacies of these arts by visiting stonework, filigree (silversmithing) and other handicraft workshops in Mardin.

10- Mardin Biennial (Culture and Art)

If your trip coincides, you can join the biennial held in Mardin and enjoy the beauties of the city as well as an international artistic adventure. Artists from many parts of the world exhibit their works freely according to their own art branch in light of the determined theme. This event, which can sometimes appear as a fabric painting or a robot, is unique for the region. The last one was organized in 2024.

11- Nature Walks

The natural beauties around Mardin are a perfect option for those who want to go on nature walks. Especially in the Zınnar region, you can take pleasant walks on the hills decorated with vineyards, oak and almond trees.

12- Night View in Mardin

The night view in Mardin, especially when illuminated by city lights, offers a truly fascinating image. You can choose the roads leading to the high points of the city to watch this magnificent view. You can also organize special events for watching the sunset.

13- Beyazsu Valley

A corner of heaven In Beyazsu Valley, you can enjoy a nice lunch with your feet in the ice-cold water.

14- Mardin Night Entertainment

It is a local entertainment known as Leyle and is held to celebrate special days and events. Celebrations such as military farewell, engagement, henna or bachelorette party are usually held at homes, but in Mardin, the same celebration culture has been transferred to venues and you, our valued guests, are provided with the unique flavors of Mardin cuisine. The difference from Urfa Sıra Gecesi is that you sit in a table setting instead of a floor table and you taste the flavors of Mardin cuisine instead of çiğ köfte, and many songs and melodies belonging to local languages ​​such as Arabic, Kurdish and Syriac are played.

15- Wine Tasting

Winemaking was done in the region even before the acceptance of Christianity, these lands with their own grape varieties will offer you different flavors and Syriac wines that will linger on your palate. The most original and famous grape varieties in the region is Mezruna (Mazruna).

16- Private Guided Tours

There are many qualified local guides who will provide you with detailed information about the ethnic background and history while you are visiting the historical city. For an affordable and full Mardin tour, we recommend that you get help from a local tourism company or a local professional guide, as opposed to superficial tours.

Mardin, as a city that stands out with its historical, cultural and natural riches, offers its visitors a wide variety of activities. It is possible to find something that appeals to everyone’s taste from 7 to 70.