2-Day Midyat Route: Stone Architecture & Syriac Culture

Midyat, located in Mardin, is a historic district renowned for its distinctive stone architecture and deep-rooted Syriac culture.

Its quiet streets and traditional buildings reflect a rich and layered past. The district also serves as a living archive of religious and cultural coexistence in the region.

With this 2-day Midyat route, you'll step back in time and discover one of the most authentic cultures of eastern Türkiye.

6 Points

120 km

2.5 h

2-Day Midyat Route: Stone Architecture & Syriac Culture box

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Explore the Syriac heritage and stone-carved architecture of Midyat, a historic district in Mardin.

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Day 1

Start your journey in the heart of Old Midyat, where you can wander through narrow streets lined with beautiful stone houses. You will explore the architecture, culture and culinary delights of the city today.

First, visit the magnificent Mor Gabriel Monastery (Deyrulumur), the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world, founded in 397 CE. The monastery is still active and offers guided tours through its chapels, courtyards, and underground chambers.

After visiting the monastery in the morning, you can go back to the centre. For lunch, you can enjoy regional dishes like sembusek (local meat pastries) and Syriac-style içli köfte (stuffed bulgur balls).

Wander through the stone streets and take photographs of the unique aesthetics. You can take a break at a local café and enjoy a cup of either Mırra or Menengiç coffee while admiring the unique yellow-hued view of Mardin.

Then, visit the Midyat Guest House, a traditional mansion that showcases traditional stone architecture with intricate carvings and beautifully preserved details across multiple levels. You can take photos of the stunning panoramic views of the historic town and sunset view from the upper terraces.

In the evening, you can savour one of the unique samples of Mardin cuisine, kaburga dolması (stuffed lamb ribs). Afterwards, take a stroll through the old streets or stop for a tea with a view of the illuminated city. Then, you can return to your hotel to rest for tomorrow’s destination.

Day 2

On the second day of the route, head to Gülgöze Village, a historic Syriac village that played a key role in preserving the local culture. Here, you can visit the Mor Hadshabo Church, a small but important religious site, and see the traditional homes built with hand-cut stone.

For lunch, drive to Kafro (Elbeğendi), a revitalised Syriac village known for its homemade stone oven pizzas and traditional flatbreads. You’ll find small, family-run eateries here where you can enjoy a meal in a rustic setting.

On your way back, stop at Anıtlı (Hah) Village to see the Church of the Virgin Mary, one of the oldest and most significant churches in the region, believed by some to be built in honour of Mary herself.

Return to Midyat or head to Mardin city centre for the evening. Midyat is famous for Telkari, a delicate filigree silverwork unique to the region. You can browse at Midyat Silver Bazaar and attend Telkari silver workshops. Watch artisans at work and buy a handmade souvenir for your friends.

For dinner, you can try traditional Syriac recipes, such as Dobo (lamb cooked in yoghurt) and Harire (a warm dessert made with molasses). These dishes will be a perfect meal to complete your magical journey in Mardin.