Mardin Old Town, Old town in southeastern Turkey
Mardin Old Town is a historic old town in southeastern Turkey, built on a steep hill above the plains of northern Mesopotamia. Its houses are made of honey-colored limestone, rising in terraced layers up the hillside and connected by narrow, winding cobblestone lanes.
The city served as a fortified trading hub for thousands of years, passing through the hands of the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans. The Artuqid dynasty, who ruled in medieval times, left behind many of the carved stone buildings that still stand in the old town today.
The old town is a place where churches, mosques, and monasteries stand side by side, reflecting centuries of shared life between different communities. In some corners of the streets, you may still hear Aramaic spoken, one of the oldest living languages in the world.
The old town sits on a steep hill, so wear sturdy shoes before setting out since many streets are uneven and can be slippery. Early morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times to walk, as the summer heat can be intense around midday.
Mardin is one of the few places in Turkey where menengic coffee, made from wild pistachios rather than coffee beans, is a common daily drink. It has a smoky, nutty flavor and can be found in small cafes throughout the old town, often sold roasted as a souvenir too.
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