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Mardin, Turkey
Sitting in the arid Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey with close proximity to neighbouring Syria, visiting Mardin is like stepping back in time. A picturesque hilltop city built at the top of the ancient Mesopotamia region is home to some amazing relics of the first settlements in human history. Along with rich history, Mardin is known for its authentic jewelers, meats and cheeses, and back-flipping pigeons. Mardin is a welcoming city with truly hospitable residents and should be included in any trip to Turkey- especially before the tourism industry takes over.
To Do List:
- Stay at the Zinciriye Medresesi hotel. It used to be an active church and its origin dates back to 1385.
- Tour the many historic sites of the city- you just can't go wrong! The Kale (citadel) that sits atop the hill, the Ulu Camii (main mosque in the centre of town); the Church of Forties- to name a few.
- Stroll the bazaars and alleys of the city, shopping and eating (try the meats and cheeses- the Mesopotamia region IS the birthplace of cheese.)
- Walk at dusk and soak in the views from both the top and bottom of the hillside city.
- Enjoy a cheap authentic meal from Domak Sofrasi- the owner will most likely sit and enjoy a tea with you.
- Dine at the teras restaurant at dusk for amazing views of the mesmerizing Mesopotamia region.
- Indulge in a 5TL shave from a local berber- the closest shave in Turkey.
- Shop! The region is known for its gold, silver, and beautifully crafted Telkari pieces made in town (find the man who has the picture with Prince Charles- he makes this type of jewelry authentically! I forget the name of the shop, but they are the nicest people!)
- Watch the pigeons very closely. They do back-flips!
