Mardin
Mardin is a historical city in Southeastern Anatolia ,Turkey ;and Mardin was once a very important center for Christianity. 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 imported center of the Western Asia for both its strategic location and commercial richness…..
1-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, Suryani churches with minaret like ascending gong towers is reminding a Medieval city.
2-Bazaar: Mardins rambling commercial hub parallels Cumhuriyet Caddesi one block down the hill. Donkeys are still a main form of transport, and look out for saddle repairers resurrecting even the shabbiest examples look for the secluded Ulu Camii, a 12th century Iraqi Seljuk structure that suffered badly during the Kurdish rebellion of 1832.
3– Kasimiye Medresesi: Built in 1469, two domes stand over the tombs of Kasim Pasa and his sister, but the highlights are the sublime courtyard walled with arched colonnades and the magnificent carved doorway.
4-Zinciriye Medresesi: Dating from 1385, the complex's highlight is the imposing recessed doorway,but make sure you wander through the pretty courtyards, loving tended by the caretaker, and onto the roof to enjoy the city cape. The tea garden is a top spot to sit and survey Mardins beauty.
5-Ulu Mosque: Tucked into the Eastern edge of the bazaar neighbourhood is the Ulu Camii, built in the 11th century by the Artukid Dynasty. The building suffered badly during a Kurdish uprising in 1832 and has been partially restored. Beneath a prism-shaped dome supported by pillars lies a prayer room divided into three sections. The minaret, with its unique stone carvings, is the highlight of a visit here.