Mardin is a gorgeous city in southeastern Turkey that has an extremely strategic location on a hilltop near the Tigris river with a great view of the plains below. During the Roman period, the city used to be called ‘Merida’ which translated to fortress. The city has a rich history with settlers dating back to the 11th century. The city is often referred to as an open-air museum in itself with the large number of historical buildings. The city has very recently opened its gates to tourism and is a great place if you’re looking to enjoy a Mediterranean vacation without the hassle of too many vacationers. History, culture and modernity fuse beautifully in this little-known paradise. 

Essential travel information and Mardin tips for your visit

• You may have to book your room months in advance if you plan to visit Mardin during the summer as the summer months attract the most number of tourists.
• Carry an umbrella with you because rainfall is plenty in this region.
• Travel guides say to pply loads of sunblock to protect your skin.
• Although distances in this city are short, the road connecting the old and new part of the city is steep and can be very exhausting during the summer. So walking from the old city to the new or vice versa might not be a very good idea. Take a minibus instead.
• If you’re travelling by car, be aware that a 100 km section of the highway that lies east of Urfa is full of potholes.