Destinations

Midyat

Midyat, which is a museum city like Mardin, is approximately 1.5 hours away from Mardin. Midyat, where, rock mansions, gates with arches, Süryani churches with minaret like ascending gong towers, is reminding a Medieval city. City center is moved to 2 km. away Estel with slowly leaving the region of Süryanis and emigration. Most beautiful samples of masonry, known as Telkari were in Midyat. A few telkari masters are trying to continue their job within Midyat bazaar. You should absolutely see….

This very important province of Mardin is also famous with silver smiting. Province, which is an important place in connection with handicrafts is also attractive related with tourism. Deyrulumur Monastery, which is 18 km. east of the province is constructed in 397 A. D. On 640 A. D. during Hz. Ömer, when Arabic Islam army cooperates with Süryanis, and enter into Mesopotamia, for especially preservation of this piece of arts a privilege is given to it by Hz.

Ömer’s order. There were a rich library within the monastery formerly. There were also a theology church, in which thousands of students were educating. Products such as Oak, Bitim, Pistachio and unique Russian cucumber and melon is cultivated in Midyat. It is a junction point, where most quality grapes of the world are cultivated.

History

The province, which is a part of Upper Mesopotamia, is founded in Tur-Abidin (Turabdin) Region. Midyat, is known as “Matiate”, which means cavern city in 9th century B. C. Asur Tablets. Probably its name is coming from this.

Climate

Midyat, which is 1,5 hour away from Mardin, shows the similar climate characteristics as Mardin. Summers are very hot and dry, and winters are rainy and cold in Midyat, which has the characteristics of both Mediterranean climate and terrestrial climate.

How to Get

Road

There is road transport from every place of Turkey.

Railroad

You can benefit from the railway within Mardin.

Mardin Train Gar Tel: (+90 482) 212 51 36

Airway

Nearest airport to Midyat is Mardin airport. Ankara connecting Istanbul flights are performing during five days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday).

Mardin Airport Tel: (+90 482) 313 00 00 / 313 27 18

Where to Visit

Mosques

Cevat Paşa Mosque

It is constructed in 1915. It has tick walls and its type is a mosque with courtyard. At the middle of the mosque there is a small dome. Its minaret is made up of Midyat rock, and has cylindrical shape. It has two minaret balconies, and decorated with vegetable and geometrical shapes.

Ulu Mosque

Three sides of the niche, constructed in 1800 are decorated with vegetable adornments. Its minaret has single minaret balcony.

H. Abdurrahman Mosque

Its construction date is in 1915 (H.1331) Mosque has one minaret. There is only one balcony on its minaret.

Monasterıes

Deyr-Ül Umur Monastery

Deyr-Ül Umur Monastery, also known as Mar Gabriel, is established on a hill with laying its foundations on 379, near Midyat. There are temples, known as Meryamana, Resüller, Kırk Şehit, Mar Şumuel, Mar Şemun, accommodation and worship places of priests, tomb and graveyard within Monastery. Mar Gabriel is also used for Bishop center by Süryani Church.

Mar Gabrıel Monastery (Deyrul Umur)

This monastery, which is also the center for metropolis of Turabidin region, is approximately 22 km. away from Midyat, at 2 km. north of Yayvan hill bay, on a low hill, and established by Mar Samuel in 397. In this monastery, which is one of the oldest and activating Christian monastery, Meryem Ana Church, Kırk Şehitler Church, Kartminli Smuel Church, Thedora dome with eight arches and Mısırlılar dome is present.

Churches

Mort Smuni Church

It is an ancient church, built in tenth century. It is also used as Metropolis center. The exchange of Bairam greetings is performed within this church.

Mor Barsavmo Church

Its foundation is laid in the 4th century. It is re - constructed over this foundation.

Mor Aksanoya Church

It is the oldest church within province center. It is constructed on idolaters’ temple during the 4th century. This church, which is restored with benefiting from the old ruins in 1961, is at the south east outside the province.

Mor Sarbel Church

This church, which is at the center of the province, is one of the most impressive churches.

Protestant Church

It is constructed at the beginning of 1900s.

Meryem Ana (Virgin Mary) Church

This ancient church, which has no bastion, belongs to Catholic community.

Mor Abraham Church

It is established by two monks from Mar Gabriel on Vth century. Central graveyard of Midyat Christians is here. There is a Meryem Ana dome in this monastery.

Meryem Ana Church (Within Anıtlı Village)

This village, which is in the Anıtlı village, has a rare architectural characteristic, which can’t be seen today.

Hah Cathedral (Mar Sobo Church)

Ruins of this cathedral devoted to Mar Sobo during the 6th century are important historical pieces of arts.

Hah Ruins

There is no written source related with ruins between Anıtlı and Karagöl, and they have the signs of a big civilization.

What to Buy

Silver smiting (Telkari) in Midyat, masonry, copper smiting, kilim (small carpet) weaving and pottery are traditional handcrafts which are still continuing. Especially it is possible to find places which are selling silver made materials.

Don’t Leave Without

Visiting numerous churches,

Seeing Telkari masters,

Buying silver souvenirs.