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Mardin
and Midyat
Ancient Town of Midyat
From a distance, the
golden stone of mardin.htm's houses blend into the rock of the hills on
which the city is built. On closer inspection, the stone carving and
decoration of the houses an public buildings reveals the city as an
architectural treasure-chest. Among the jewels are the ancient citadel and
several mosques, in particular, Ulu Mosque. The 15th century Kasim Pasa
Medrese is remarkable for its fine stonework. At the lovely Isa Bey Medrese
from the 14th century, you can admire the magnificently carved portal and
climb to its roof to enjoy the fantastic view over the Mesopotamian Plain.
Only 7 kilometers east of mardin.htm is the Syriac-Jacobite Monastery of
Deyrulzaferan, which once was a thriving religious community. Nearby at
Kiziltepe, the 13th century Ulu Mosque, one of the best examples of Artukid
architecture, has superb mihrab reliefs and a beautiful portal.
Midyat, famous for its silver objects known as 'telkari', has many elegant,
historic houses. Eighteen kilometers east of town is the actively
functioning Syriac-Jacobite monastery, Deyrelumur(San Gabriel)which dates
from the beginning of the fifth century. |
Stonecarving detail, mardin |
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