3 places to visit in the Dargeçit district of Mardin: Dargeçit Castle, Tigris Valley Views and Mor Kuruyakos Church (Kerboran). Plan your trip to Dargeçit with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Dargeçit is a district of Mardin province, with an area of 519 km² and a population of 26,675, at an altitude of 895 metres. It gained municipal status on 30 December 1985 as a town, and in 1987 it separated from Midyat district and became a district.

History

In the past Dargeçit was known by names such as Kher-Boran, Kfar-Boran, Kerburan and Kerboran. In the 4th century AD, under Sasanian rule, Dargeçit and its region encountered Christianity. The first settlers are said to have been a family known as the Mardokelis.

Geography

The average altitude of the district centre above sea level is 901 metres. To the east lies Güçlükonak district of Şırnak province; to the west Midyat; to the north Gercüş in Batman province; and to the south İdil district of Şırnak province. The Tigris River passes 10–12 km from the district, near Ilısu village.

Climate

The district has a continental climate: summers are hot and dry, and winters are cold and rainy. Winds usually blow from the east and south-east.

History and Culture

The first settlers of Dargeçit are said to have been a Syriac family called the Mardokelis. In history, Dargeçit was a multi-faith place where Muslims, Christians and Yazidis lived together. Dargeçit separated from Midyat in 1987 and became a district.

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Places to Visit in Dargeçit

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 1 Nature
Historic

Dargeçit Castle

Castle ruins on a hill in the district centre, dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Excavations at the foot of the castle have uncovered pottery fragments from various periods.

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Nature

Tigris Valley Views

Dargeçit's location near the Tigris River valley offers natural beauty. This natural area, which reflects the region's ecological diversity, attracts nature lovers.

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Religious

Mor Kuruyakos Church (Kerboran)

A Syriac church in Kerboran, which is stated to be open.

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Places to Visit Around Mardin Province

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While you are in Dargeçit, you can also see the highlights of Mardin province. These places are in other districts; Dargeçit is about 80 km from the provincial centre.

  • Mardin Stone Houses — Historic houses with courtyards and arches, built of soft limestone Mardin stone, descending step by step from the foot of the castle towards the Mesopotamian plain; the city's skyline is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
  • Kasımiye Madrasa — A madrasa begun in the Artuqid period and completed at the end of the 15th century under the Aq Qoyunlu Sultan Kasım ibn Cihangir; with its two-storey arcaded courtyard and pool, it was one of the most important centres of learning in the region.
  • Zinciriye (Sultan İsa) Madrasa — A madrasa built at the end of the 14th century by the Artuqid Sultan Melik Necmeddin İsa and one of the best-known buildings of the old city, with its ribbed domes and rich portal; the terrace offers views over the plain.
  • Mardin Grand Mosque — A mosque built in the Artuqid period, whose ribbed dome is an example of Mardin architecture; its present minaret was built in 1888–1889 on a square base.
  • Deyrulzafaran Monastery — A Syriac Orthodox monastery built in the 5th century, 3 km east of Mardin; for a long time it served as the seat of the patriarchate.
  • Mor Gabriel Monastery — Founded in 397 on the Tur Abdin plateau near the village of Güngören in Midyat, this is the oldest surviving and still active Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world; it is famous for its mosaics and domed churches.

Practical Information for Visiting Dargeçit

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn months
Places to visit
3 places

What to Eat in Dargeçit

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  • İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)

    A fine bulgur dough is filled with a mixture of minced meat and spices, then boiled.

  • Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs)

    Lamb ribs are filled with a mixture of rice and spices, then baked in an oven.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Dargeçit

  • Traditional Life

    Dargeçit is a district that keeps alive the traditional village culture of Southeastern Anatolia. This tradition is passed down through the generations as an important element of local cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Wheat — Wheat grown on Dargeçit's farmland is the district's main agricultural product.

Economy

Dargeçit's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Wheat, barley and lentils are the main agricultural products.

How to Get to Dargeçit

Dargeçit is 80 km from Mardin city centre. Access is by road.

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Dargeçit: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Dargeçit?

The 3 highlights of Dargeçit are: Dargeçit Castle, Tigris Valley Views and Mor Kuruyakos Church (Kerboran).

What to eat in Dargeçit?

İçli Köfte and Kaburga Dolması are the standout dishes on Dargeçit's tables.

What is Dargeçit famous for?

Dargeçit is known for Wheat and its Traditional Life. Wheat grown on Dargeçit's farmland is the district's main agricultural product.

How do I get to Dargeçit?

Dargeçit is 80 km from Mardin city centre. Access is by road.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Dargeçit?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn months.

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Other Districts of Mardin

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