Dishes you should try in Artuklu: Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls) and Sembusek (Mardin pastry). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Artuklu is famous for.
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Famous Dishes of Artuklu
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Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs)
Lamb ribs are filled with a mixture of rice, almonds and spices, then baked in an oven. It is the best-known dish of Mardin.
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İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)
A fine bulgur dough is filled with a mixture of minced meat, onion and spices, then either boiled or fried.
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Sembusek (Mardin pastry)
A traditional Mardin pastry: thin dough filled with minced meat or cheese, folded into a triangle and fried.
Dishes from Mardin Cuisine
What to eat in Mardin →These dishes are known throughout Mardin province; see the provincial food guide for details.
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Mardin Kaburga Dolması (lamb ribs stuffed with rice)
Lamb ribs stuffed with spiced rice; it has a registered geographical indication.
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Mardin Sembusek (minced-meat pastry)
A local börek with thin dough and a minced-meat filling, with a registered geographical indication.
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Mardin Kibe (stuffed bulgur dumpling)
A type of stuffed dish with a registered geographical indication.
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Mardin İkbebet (bulgur kofte)
A bulgur kofte; it has a registered geographical indication.
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Mardin Alluciye (plum stew)
A stew made with plums, with a registered geographical indication.
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Mardin Kiliçesi
A bread roll with a registered geographical indication.
What to Buy in Artuklu: Local Products
- Mardin Sabunu (Mardin soap) Mardin soap, made using traditional methods from olive oil and bıttım (terebinth) oil, is a natural skincare product.
- Mardin Stonework Ornaments and architectural details made from Mardin's honey-coloured stone, which continue as a traditional craft.
What Artuklu Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions
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Multicultural Heritage
Mardin has historically been a multicultural city where Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities lived side by side. Mosques, churches and monasteries stand next to each other.
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Artuqid Heritage
The district takes its name from the Artuqid principality, which ruled in Mardin between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Artuqids built important structures such as madrasas, mosques and caravanserais.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I eat in Artuklu?
Artuklu is known for 3 local dishes, above all Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls) and Sembusek (Mardin pastry). Lamb ribs are filled with a mixture of rice, almonds and spices, then baked in an oven. It is the best-known dish of Mardin.
What is Artuklu famous for?
Artuklu is known for Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), Mardin Sabunu (Mardin soap) and Multicultural Heritage. Its best-known sights include Mardin Castle and Mardin Stone Houses and Old Town.
What to buy in Artuklu?
Local products and souvenirs to buy in Artuklu include Mardin Sabunu (Mardin soap) and Mardin Stonework.
Artuklu Travel Guide
- Things to Do in Artuklu 7 places to visit
- What to Eat in Mardin All the famous dishes of the province
What to Eat in Other Districts of Mardin
- Dargeçit 2 dishes İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls) and Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs)
- Derik 4 dishes Derik Halhalı Olive Oil, İçli Köfte and Kaburga Dolması
- Kızıltepe 4 dishes İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur dumplings), Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs) and Hamis, sembusek, ırok, teşt and şanbörek
- Mazıdağı 2 dishes İçli Köfte (bulgur balls stuffed with spiced mince) and Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs)
- Midyat 3 dishes İçli Köfte (bulgur balls stuffed with spiced mince), Sembusek (triangular pastry) and Midyat İnciri (Midyat figs)
- Nusaybin 3 dishes İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur dumplings), Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs) and Buğday, arpa, mercimek ve pamuk (wheat, barley, lentils and cotton)
- Ömerli 2 dishes İçli Köfte (bulgur balls stuffed with spiced mince) and Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs)
- Savur 2 dishes İçli Köfte (bulgur balls stuffed with spiced mince) and Sembusek (triangular pastry)
- Yeşilli 2 dishes İçli Köfte (bulgur balls stuffed with spiced mince) and Sembusek (triangular pastry)