Mardin
The golden city on a hill
Mardin is a mesmerising ancient city perched on a hilltop in southeastern Turkiye. Its honey-coloured stone buildings, centuries-old monasteries, and incredible views of the Mesopotamian plains make it one of Turkiye's most atmospheric destinations.
Mardin is one of Turkiye's most atmospheric and visually stunning cities — a golden-hued ancient settlement perched on a hilltop in southeastern Anatolia, overlooking the vast Mesopotamian plains of northern Syria. The city's honey-coloured stone buildings cascade down the hillside in a series of terraces, creating a skyline that has barely changed in centuries. Mardin is a place of profound historical and cultural significance: for millennia, it has been home to a mosaic of communities — Arabs, Kurds, Turks, Syriacs, and Armenians — whose traditions, languages, and religions have intertwined to create a culture of extraordinary richness and diversity. The city's architecture is its greatest treasure: intricate stone carvings decorate doorways, windows, and facades throughout the old town, and the craftsmanship is of a standard that rivals anything in the Islamic world. For visitors seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in Turkiye, Mardin is a revelation — a city that feels timeless, deeply hospitable, and genuinely unique.
Places to explore in Mardin
Discover the landmarks, attractions, and hidden gems that make Mardin an unforgettable destination.
Mardin Old Town
Mardin's old town is one of the architectural wonders of the Middle East. Built entirely from local honey-coloured limestone, the buildings cascade down the hillside in a series of terraces connected by narrow lanes, stone staircases, and vaulted passages. Every surface seems to be decorated — door frames, window surrounds, and facades are covered in intricate geometric and floral stone carvings that demonstrate a level of craftsmanship that is truly extraordinary. The old town's main street, Birinci Cadde (First Street), runs along the hillside and offers panoramic views of the Mesopotamian plains stretching to the horizon. Along this street, you'll find traditional coppersmith workshops, spice sellers, and ateliers producing Mardin's famous silver jewellery. The sound of church bells mingles with the call to prayer from the many minarets, reflecting the city's multicultural character. In the evening, as the sun sets over the plains and the stone buildings glow golden in the fading light, Mardin reveals itself as one of the most beautiful and atmospheric places in all of Turkiye.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
The Deyrulzafaran Monastery (Monastery of the Saffron), located about 5 kilometres southeast of Mardin, is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Founded in 493 AD, it served as the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate for over 600 years and remains an active monastery to this day. The monastery is built on a site that has been sacred for even longer — the underground chamber beneath the main building was originally a sun temple dating back 4,000 years, and you can still see the carved niches where offerings were placed. The monastery's architecture is a beautiful blend of styles — Syriac, Byzantine, and Islamic influences are all visible in its arches, domes, and decorative stonework. Guided tours (often led by monks) take you through the chapel, the throne room of the patriarch, the ancient crypt, and the peaceful courtyard gardens. The monastery's setting, on a hillside overlooking olive groves and rolling countryside, is extraordinarily peaceful, and the monks' hospitality is warm and genuine.
Mesopotamian Plains Viewpoint
One of the most unforgettable aspects of Mardin is its dramatic setting and the views it commands over the vast Mesopotamian plains. From the terraces and viewpoints throughout the old town, you can look out over an endless expanse of flat agricultural land stretching southward towards Syria. On a clear day, the view extends for over a hundred kilometres, creating a sense of space and openness that is deeply moving. The contrast between the vertical, densely packed old town clinging to the hillside and the horizontal infinity of the plains below is visually stunning and philosophically powerful. Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular times to enjoy the views — the low-angle light turns the stone buildings gold and pink, and the plains shift through shades of amber and purple. Many of Mardin's rooftop restaurants and hotel terraces are positioned to take advantage of these views, making them perfect places to enjoy a leisurely meal while watching one of nature's most impressive daily performances. The views alone make a visit to Mardin worthwhile.
Available treatments
Best time to visit
March–May and October–November (summers can be very hot)
Airport
Mardin Airport (MQM)
Free cancellation before 15 days
Medical tourism in Mardin
Mardin is not a major medical tourism destination, but the city does have dental clinics that serve the local population and can accommodate visitors. Patients who visit Mardin typically combine their treatment with a cultural exploration of this extraordinary city. For those who have had their primary procedure elsewhere, Mardin makes a fascinating and restorative recovery destination.
Culture & history
Mardin's cultural heritage is arguably the richest and most diverse of any city in Turkiye. The city has been continuously inhabited for at least 4,000 years, and its position on the ancient trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean ensured a constant flow of peoples, ideas, and traditions. The old city is a UNESCO World Heritage tentative site, and walking through its narrow streets is like stepping into a living museum. The Deyrulzafaran Monastery (Monastery of the Saffron), located just outside the city, has been the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate since 493 AD and is one of the oldest functioning monasteries in the world. The Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), with its soaring minaret visible from across the city, dates from the 12th century. The city's madrassas (Islamic schools), churches, and historic mansions showcase some of the finest stone carving in the Middle East.
Food & cuisine
Mardin's cuisine reflects its multicultural heritage and is considered some of the finest in Turkiye. The city is particularly famous for its kaburga dolmasi (stuffed lamb ribs), ikbebet (a type of kibbeh made with bulgur wheat and spiced meat), and sembusek (crispy pastries filled with spiced meat). The region's olive oil, produced from groves that stretch across the surrounding plains, is exceptional. Breakfast in Mardin is a grand affair, featuring local cheeses (including the famous Mardin sirin peyniri), fresh herbs, honeycomb, and thick, molasses-like grape syrup (pekmez). The city's sweets are legendary — particularly the Mardin dondurma (ice cream) made with salep and mastic, and the region's exceptional baklava and kadayif. Many of the old town's restaurants are set in beautifully restored stone mansions with terrace seating offering panoramic views of the Mesopotamian plains.
Where to stay
Mardin's accommodation is among the most atmospheric in Turkiye. Many of the old town's historic stone mansions have been converted into boutique hotels, offering rooms with carved stone walls, traditional furnishings, and terrace views over the plains. These heritage hotels provide an experience that is unique to Mardin — sleeping within walls that may be centuries old, surrounded by the city's extraordinary architecture. Options range from simple but charming guesthouses to luxurious boutique properties with hammams and fine-dining restaurants.
Getting around
Mardin's old city is best explored on foot — the narrow, steep streets are largely pedestrian-only, and getting lost among the stone buildings and hidden courtyards is half the fun. Comfortable shoes are essential, as the streets are steep and can be slippery. For trips outside the old city — to Deyrulzafaran Monastery, the ancient town of Midyat, or the surrounding villages — taxis are readily available and affordable. Mardin Airport (MQM) has daily flights to Istanbul and Ankara.
Recovery in Mardin
Mardin offers a deeply restful recovery experience, far removed from the noise and pace of Turkiye's larger cities. The old town's pedestrian streets encourage gentle walking at a slow pace — exactly what's needed during recovery. The city's rich history and atmospheric architecture provide endless gentle stimulation, preventing the boredom that can sometimes accompany post-treatment rest periods. The local cuisine is nutritious and flavourful, and the warm hospitality of Mardin's residents will make you feel welcomed and cared for. The city's elevation and dry climate create comfortable conditions for most of the year, though summers can be very hot. For a truly restorative experience, Mardin's peace, beauty, and sense of timelessness are hard to beat.
Exploring the Region
The wider Mardin province offers fascinating excursions for those with the time and energy to explore. The town of Midyat, about 70 kilometres east, is another treasure of stone architecture and is the centre of Turkiye's Syriac Christian community, with several beautiful churches and a lively silver jewellery bazaar. The Mor Gabriel Monastery, near Midyat, is one of the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monasteries in the world, founded in 397 AD. The ancient city of Dara, about 30 kilometres southeast of Mardin, features impressive Roman ruins including a massive underground cistern and a necropolis carved into the rock. The nearby village of Savur, with its restored stone mansions and peaceful courtyard gardens, offers another glimpse into the region's architectural heritage. Each of these destinations can be visited as a day trip from Mardin, providing a richer understanding of this extraordinary corner of Turkiye.
Mardin at a glance
Travel tip
The old city is hilly with narrow streets — comfortable shoes are essential. Stay in a restored stone mansion hotel for the full experience.
Ready to visit Mardin?
Book your treatment in Mardin today. Hotel and transfers included. Free cancellation before 15 days.
View packages