Dara, Archaeological site in Mardin Province, Turkey
Dara is an archaeological site in Mardin Province featuring the ruins of a fortified settlement. The location shows stone walls with defensive towers, rock-cut tombs, and water storage systems that reveal the layout of the former city.
The city was founded in the early 6th century as a military outpost and served for a long time as an important frontier fortress. It later lost importance as the region's political boundaries shifted.
The settlement shows traces of different faiths in its rock-cut tombs, where Christian and older burial practices existed side by side. This mixture reflects how different populations lived at the same location across the centuries.
The site is located in the southeastern part of Mardin and is best visited during daylight when visibility is good. Sturdy footwear is needed since the ground is uneven and many areas remain covered with loose rubble.
Water for the residents came from underground systems specifically built to collect and store rainfall. This engineering solution allowed the settlement to endure long siege periods without relying on outside water sources.
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