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2-Day Route in Mardin: Exploring Ancient Monasteries and Sacred Sites

Mardin’s Ancient Monasteries in a 2-Day Route

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On the first day, explore the sacred Tur Abdin region, which hosts the ancient monasteries in Mardin, as the homeland of the Syriac Orthodox community.&nbsp;
The first stop will be Mor Yakup Monastery (St. Jacob Monastery), near Nusaybin. Founded in the 4th century CE, it was once a leading theological school of its time. Although it is not open for worship today, you can visit this remarkable building. Then, visit Mor Gabriel Monastery, the world's oldest Syriac Orthodox monastery, and the community recognised it as the &ldquo;main monastery&rdquo;. It&rsquo;s the most unique stop on the route, reflecting centuries of local tradition.
The last stop is the Virgin Mary Monastery in Anıtlı (Hah) village, one of the few places in T&uuml;rkiye where the Syriac Christian community still lives. It is both a living heritage site and a significant piece of community architecture.
Afterwards, head to Midyat for a short break. Enjoy traditional Mardin coffee in a historic stone house and explore the city&rsquo;s telkari craft. You can join a workshop to see the process and find unique handmade gifts. Finish the day with sunset views over Mardin&rsquo;s historic stone skyline.

The Church of the Virgin Mary stands in the old part of Mardin, Türkiye. Built in the 5th century, it is one of the oldest Syriac Orthodox churches still standing.
Its walls are made of local stone. The carvings are simple, some still sharp, others worn down by time. From the outside, the building doesn’t shout. It holds itself quietly.
Inside, light comes through small windows. The altar is plain but cared for. The chapels are small. There’s space to sit, to pause. The sound of footsteps carries far in the quiet.
The courtyard is quiet too. A few trees. A bench. A place people often stop, not to talk, just to be still.
Mardin is a place where different faiths have lived side by side. This church is one part of that story. Nothing is explained too much. But if you stand there long enough, the place says what it needs to.

Mor Yakup Monastery is found in Şırnak, Türkiye, standing among wide views and hills. This monastery is a place where the past is still felt. Its walls and old stones show traces of Syriac and Byzantine times.
The building is made with care and skill. The mix of styles tells of people who built and used it long ago. Every stone has a story, reminding visitors of faith and culture.
Walking inside, visitors see old halls, carved rooms, and an altar with special details. Old books written in Syriac are kept in the library. The quiet inside the monastery lets visitors think about what came before.
Around the building, the hills and land spread out. The area is calm. The setting makes a visit to Mor Yakup Monastery special and easy to remember.
People who like history, want to learn about faith, or just want to see something real, often visit here. Mor Yakup Monastery in Şırnak helps visitors connect with Türkiye’s past.

The first Asyriac Orthodox Monastery still in use worldwide is ""Mor Gabriel Monastery” sometimes known as Deyrulumur – The House of the Priests"". Mor Gabriel Monastery, among the first monasteries with a 1600-year legacy, is situated at Turabdin, the hometown of the Syriacs near Mardin's Midyat County. Built by Mor Shmuel and Mor Shemun in 397 and over centuries with donations and contributions from the Roman Emperors, the monastery stands with buildings left from the fifth and sixth centuries, Byzantine mosaics, domes and portals, Midyat's stone cut bricks create an absolutely perfect construction with great historical relevance.
Over time, the monastery now regarded as the second Jerusalem went under several titles. Early on it was named for the founders; in the following centuries the name Dayro d'Umro, meaning the house of the priests in Syriac developed into Deyr-el-Umur and subsequently Deyrulumur in Turkish, became used. Still in use today, the name Mor Gabriel is after the Metropolitan Bishop of Turabdin, who flourished in the 7th century and significantly helped to upgrade the monastery, and was subsequently bestowed with sainthood.


On the second day, Mor Hananyo (Deyrulzafaran) Monastery will be your first destination. This monastery, which bears the traces of deep-rooted faiths, holds great significance both for its architecture and for reflecting the city&rsquo;s multiculturalism.
Then, visit Mor Behnam (Kırklar) Monastery, founded in the 6th century CE. These two monasteries are still active and open to worship today, and you can attend masses on any day or on important religious holidays like Easter. To experience the mystical and spiritual atmosphere in these masses will be an unforgettable memory for you.&nbsp;
These two monasteries are near the city centre. After visiting these ancient Syriac Orthodox monasteries, you will wander through Mardin's historical and authentic streets. You can visit the Bakırcılar &Ccedil;arşısı (Coppersmiths' Bazaar) and Revaklı Bazaar to see the amazing handicrafts.&nbsp;
For dinner, savour the local dishes such as kaburga dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), i&ccedil;li k&ouml;fte (meat-stuffed bulgur balls), sembusek (meat-filled pastry), and harire dessert.

Head to Mardin’s hidden Coppersmiths Bazaar, an interesting market in the ancient streets of Türkiye. This isn’t just a marketplace, it’s a living testament to centuries of metallurgical art. As you walk through the bazaar, you may hear the rhythm of hammers on copper and the chatter of haggling and laughter.
 
 The bazaar itself is a maze of skilled artisans turning sweat into copper creations. From tiny traditional coffee pots to giant wall hangings, each piece, handcrafted, is a story of heritage passed down through generations .
 
 Come, get lost in Mardin’s history. See the craftsmanship in every item in the Coppersmiths Bazaar. Listen to the artisans transform raw copper into art while sipping on Turkish tea wafting through the air.
 
 Bask in the hospitality of the local vendors who add warmth to the scene with their personalities. This isn’t just a place to buy something, it’s an invitation to witness traditions, understand a way of life and take home an artefact that’s part history, part craft and all Türkiye.
 
 In short, visiting the Coppersmiths Bazaar isn’t just about buying a souvenir. It’s about experiencing Turkish living art. It’s about connecting with the atmosphere of Mardin, one of the oldest cities in Türkiye. 
 
 So why don't you check your calendar today and start a journey!
 
 Let Mardin move you to tradition and authenticity - the Coppersmiths Bazaar. Experience Mardin. Experience Türkiye.

Discover the old Mor Behnam (Kırklar) Church, a stunning tribute to Mardin's rich history, tucked away in the undulating hills of southeast Türkiye, and set off an amazing trip through time. Renowned for its complex stone carving and holy Christian workmanship, this architectural masterpiece originated in the sixth century.
The church honours Mor Behnam and his sister, Sarah, who were martyred for their beliefs. Inside, the revered walls gleam with brilliantly created frescoes, each one a passionate story of dedication and endurance, painterly wonder that will enthral you. 
With tales loaded with miracles and legends, notably the story of the Forty Martyrs to which the second name relates, the church, sometimes known as Kırklar Church, exudes a mystery. Spend a quiet moment in the calm garden facing the church and let the silence of the old olive trees create peace.
Examining Mor Behnam (Kırklar) Church exposes a living gallery of ancient art, culture, and history simply waiting to be seen. It gives the already remarkable Mardin city, praised for its originality in history and attractions, vitality. Without experiencing the tangible spiritual energy and appreciating the amazing beauty of this ongoing monument, a trip to Türkiye is inadequate. As it towers bearing evidence of millennia of human civilisation, let Mor Behnam Church serve as a reminder of Türkiye's resiliency.


Explore the secrets of the millennia to go on a magical travel at the Deyrulzafaran Monastery in Mardin, Türkiye. Nestled on a hill with breathtaking views of the Mesopotamian plains, this former spiritual residence provides a world where one may experience the majesty of the Syriac Orthodox Church from the fifth century. 
Seeking a holy link with history in every nook and cranny, Deyrulzafaran, sometimes known as the Saffron Monastery, presents tales of mystics, monks, and miracles as you stroll down its sun-drenched hallways. Combining harmonically with the heady smell of saffron drifting over this holy area, the silent walls of this austere stronghold echo the complex ceremonies of millennia. With its striking portrayal of holy saints against the ravishing sunsets of Mardin, its architecture appeals to hearts.
Discover the appeal of an old faith perpetually living in the spiritual isolation of the Deyrulzafaran Monastery. Discover the tombs of patriarchs, the intriguing acquired sites like the ""Burnt Church,"" radiating a sense of holy secrets buried in quiet. Explore the depths of the cellars and feel the pages of rare manuscripts housed safely there whisper intriguing stories from the annals of time.
Plan a trip to Türkiye now and then the Deyrulzafaran Monastery will allow you to really experience a convergence of history, spirituality, and design! Sate your wanderlust and discover Türkiye, the country with charming appeal and unequalled legacy.


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Day 1: Mor Yakup, Mor Gabriel and Virgin Mary Monasteries

Day 2: Mor Hananyo and Mor Behnam Monasteries

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2-Day Route in Mardin: Exploring Ancient Monasteries and Sacred Sites

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Explore Türkiye’s rich cultural routes