Mardin is a historical city in Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey. A city situated on the top of a hill, it is known for its fascinating architecture consisting of heavily decorated stonework cascading from the hilltop and used to be an important center of the Western Asia for both its strategic location and commercial richness.
Mardin was once a very important center for Christianity. Architectural structures belonging to different epochs have reached out time in a unique architectural integrity. One can find unique Mardin houses; churches of Kırklar, Mar Mihail, Behrimiz, Virgin Mary, Mar Yusuf and Mar Bitris; medresses of Kasımiye, Zinciriye and Marufiye; monasteries of Deyr'ul Zafaran and Deyr'ul Umur; mosques of Ulu, Çubuk and Molla Hari and the castle as important buildings in this integrity. The population of the province is 705,098 (Census of 2000). Dargeçit, Derik, Kiziltepe, Mazidagi, Midyat, Nusaybin, Ömerli, Savur and Yesilli are Mardin's districts in the periphery. The culture of Mardin bears the imprint of various antique civilizations flourishing in the area.
Mardin enjoys a privileged status in the sense that it is able to make people live the past and to present what is old and valuable to present generations.
Ancient Cities Midyat city 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. 
Dara City Ruins, This ancient city is located at 30 km. away from the southeast of Mardin province in Oğuz village. This city is the most famous city of the ancient Mesopotamia region. The ruins of Dara city is spread over a vast area which could extent to 8 - 10 km. and there are houses carved into rocks and founded in caves. The church, palace, bazaar and storage yards, dungeon and the water dam are still visual among the ruins of the city. There are also 6 - 7 cave houses around the village. The history of this caves extend to the Late Roman (Early Byzantine) period. 
Mardin Castle: This castle was constructed by Hamdani nation in AD 975 - 976 years. There is a mosque, bath, dungeon and numerous warehouses inside the castle.
Dara Castle: The castle is located 30 km. away from Mardin province. The castle was constructed by the monarch of İran. Mosques Cevat Paşa Mosque was 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's construction date is in 1915 (H.1331) Mosque has one minaret. 
Mort Smuni Church 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 Aksanoya Church is the oldest church within province center. It is constructed on idolaters' temple during the 4th century.