Mardin is a breathtaking hilltop city in southeastern Turkey, perched at 1,000–1,300 metres above the Mesopotamian plain. Its old city of honey-coloured limestone houses, ancient churches, mosques, and monasteries reflects centuries of coexistence among Syriac Christians, Kurds, Arabs, and Turks. Narrow bazaar lanes, ornate Artuqid-era stonework, and sweeping views over the Syrian border plain make Mardin one of Turkey's most distinctive and rewarding destinations.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Midyat silver telkari (filigree) jewellery — bracelets 200–800 TRY (~$6–$24)
Mardin taş sabunu (stone soap with laurel and olive oil) — 30–80 TRY (~$0.90–$2.40) per bar
Hand-beaten copper vessels — trays and coffee sets 200–2000 TRY (~$6–$60)
Nar ekşisi (pomegranate molasses) — 80–150 TRY/500ml (~$2.40–$4.50)
Mardin baklava (vacuum-packed) — 100–400 TRY/kg (~$3–$12)
Sumac and local spice blends — 20–80 TRY per 200g (~$0.60–$2.40)
Miniature stone-carved Mardin houses — 150–600 TRY (~$4.50–$18)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Old City Bazaar
Crafts, spices, copper, textiles, food products
Where: Çarşı Sokak, Old City
Tuesday Market (Yenişehir)
Fresh produce, clothes, household goods — used by locals
Where: Pazar Yeri, Yenişehir
Friday Market
Agricultural produce and livestock; mainly for locals
Where: Outskirts of new city