Mardin
From Turkey Travel Guide
Mardin is a city in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey.
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[edit] History
Mardin, which is the plural for "Merdo" the Syriac for fortress, is an ancient town who's origin date back to the caravan rountes that traversed Mesopotamia. It is the Arabic speaking city in Turkey. In the 4th century the Romans fortified the town as an eastern outpost on the Silk Road. Over the centruies Mardin has survived a number of tumultuous periods: The most notable were the Arab occupation of the city from 640 to 1104 and the Mongol invasion which ravaged on the city in the early 15th century. The city was also briefly occupied in 1840 during the campaign by the Governor of Egypt, Kavalalı Mehmet Ali Paşa, in his attempt to conquer the Ottoman Empire. The city is located in a high density area of Syriac Orthodox Monasteries and Churches, a number of which still exit today illustrating the Syrian origins of Mardin which were alluded to previously. The first Christians to settle in the area were Syrian Orthodox who arrived at some point in the Third Century and continued to be a dominant element in the Urban fabric up to the 20th century. Mardin's mixed Christian population of Syrian, Armenian and Christian began to deplete with emigration before and after the War of Independence (1919-1923). Though in recent years the return of some migrants and an increase in Syrian Orthodox pilgrims has revitalied the Monasteries. Mardin is the only city in Turkey where Arabic is the dominant language due to the demographic structure.
[edit]
Located in the Southeast of Turkey Mardin's closest neighbour is Syria in the south, less than an hour journey to the border with northern Iraq also a only few hours away to the southeast. The nearest town is Midyat to the east, Şanlıurfa to the west and Diyarbakır, the cutlural capital of the Southeast, is found to the north of the city.
[edit] Getting there
Mardin is remote and difficult to get to. The city rises on layers on a steep mountain which is clearly indicated by the popping of your ears as you ascend.
[edit] By plane
The nearest airport is in Diyarbakır with flights primarily to Ankara and İstanbul.
[edit] By train
N/A
[edit] By car
Car is by far the eastiest route. Caution is however necessary on the mountain road to Mardin as it is precarious in some parts. It can also be made more hazardous by the frequent coachs and trucks that pass it.
[edit] By bus
There is are buses available from the otogars in Gaziantep (4 hour journey), Şanlıurfa (a 3 hour journey) and Diyabakır (a 2 hour journey). Mardin does not have an otogar but buses depart from Belediye bus terminal, located in the new area of the city below the citadel.
[edit] By boat
N/A
[edit] Getting around
[edit] By car
Car is by far the easiest and most relaxed way to travel to Mardin and in the area. Beware of hourse drawn carts and overcrowded motorcycles
[edit] By public transport
Dolmuş and coaches are widely available and cheap.
[edit] By foot
Not advisable. Towns are often remote from each other.
[edit] By bike
Not for the faint hearted
[edit] Weather
(°F)
(43)
(45)
(53)
(64)
(75)
(87)
(96)
(95)
(87)
(73)
(58)
(47)
(°F)
(33)
(34)
(40)
(50)
(59)
(68)
(76)
(76)
(69)
(58)
(46)
(37)
(inches)
(4.0)
(4.7)
(3.8)
(3.1)
(1.5)
(0.2)
(0.1)
(0.0)
(0.1)
(1.4)
(2.7)
(4.1)
[edit] See
Walking through Mardin's unpredictable maze of lanes is a joy in itself. There a a number of İslamic houses that were built similarly to forts with an interior courtyard and space to accommodate the extended family. A walk through the old Syrian neighbourhood offers a number of preserved Syrian and Armenian churches. The Syrian Orthodox church of Kirklar Kilise is the most acive today and welcomes visitors.
Mardin's museum is an architechturally beautiful building which was initially the former residence of the Syrian Catholic Archbishop.
In the Baazar area look for the Carpenters' Coffeehouse which was initially a synagogue.
The Grand Mosque which is located near the Baazar is noticable for its large brown minaret and it's peacefull courtyard
[edit] Do
The Medrese of Kasim Padışah is a little compound surrounding the tomb of the said founder. It is located in a small ravine just below the west side of the city and offers stunning views over the plane.
Deyrül Zaferhan is one of the largest surviving Syrian Orthodox Monasteries in Turkey and in still active today. İt is just 3 kilometers from Mardin city and well worth a visit.
[edit] Eat
Mardin's speciailty are; sembusak which is simliar to a folded lahmacun and incassıyewhich is lamb flavoured with plum, tomato and chili. Local burgers and Köfte are also good.
There are a number of small cafes in the old quarter of Mardin particularly near the Baazar which give a good view of all acivities.
[edit] Drink
Beer is difficult to find in restraunts. But as always tea and ayran is available.
[edit] Sleep
It is advisable to book in advance as there are a limited number of hotels in Mardin, they are more expensive than other cities and usually cater to the coach tours.
[edit] Budget
Nerzihan Hotel is found in the new part of Mardin away from the Citadel. [1]
[edit] Mid-Range
Büyük Mardin Oteli is directed solely at the coach trade. [2]
[edit] Upscale
Erdoba Hotel is converted from an old stone mansion and gives great atmosphere. [3]
[edit] Work
The only work possibly available in Mardin would be in the tourism sector as a translator or guide on tours
[edit] Learn
Turkish state schools provide the education in Mardin while the Syrian Orthodox community is responsinle for the private religious education of their youth. Mardin University is found on the outskirts of the town. www.artuklu.edu.tr/english/
[edit] Keep connected
Buying an international call card is very cheep which can be used at public pay phones; 5 lira for 50 credits, 10 lira for A 100 credits. Alternatively one can buy a Turkish sim card from any Turkcell ofice.
[edit] Internet
İn Mardin all the hotels offer internet access and there are a number of internet cafes though they are often off a main street.
[edit] Phone
Most Turkish public phones do not accept use of coins. A international call-card would be preferably.
[edit] Post
PTT(The Turkish national post office) main office is opposite the Grand Baazar.
[edit] Safety
Mardin Police Office Yenişehir Mahallesi Kızıltepe Kavşağı Merkez / Mardin. Phone (482) 212 96 83
[edit] Stay Healthy
Mardin Kadın Doğum Ve Çocuk Hastalıkları Hastanesi (Maternity and CHildren's Hospital) 0482) 213 38 73 Address; Yenişehir Mah. Ssk Caddesi
Kızıltepe Devlet Hastanesi (0482) 312 31 45 Address; Hastane Cad.
Mardin Derik Devlet Hastanesi (0482) 251 30 33 Address ;Derik, Mardin
Mardin Devlet Hastanesi (0482) 212 10 48 Address; Vali Ozan Cad. Yenişehir
[edit] Books
[edit] External links
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