Photo: Sedefdavutoglu (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 3 places to visit in the Mazıdağı district of Mardin: Dara Antik Kenti (Dara Ancient City), Dara Underground Cisterns and Safran Castle. Plan your trip to Mazıdağı with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Mazıdağı is a district 47 kilometres north-west of Mardin province and covers an area of 850 square kilometres. The district is known for its history, which goes back to the Sumerians, and during the Assyrian–Urartian period it was called Isala. Known by its former name Şamrah, the district was established on 9 June 1937.
The district has Awrihan caves, in use since the Stone Age. Dermetinan Castle and the tombs of Sultan Şeyhmus and Pir Hattap are the district’s main places to visit. Next to Şamrah Castle, in Gümüşyuva village, there is a silver mine that was operated by the Byzantines.
The average elevation of the district centre is 1,047 metres above sea level. In dry seasons the Karaçay is of vital importance.
Tobacco growing, beekeeping, viticulture and farming are the district’s main sources of livelihood. Phosphate facilities play an important role in the district’s economy; the phosphate deposits of Mazıdağı make up 86 per cent of Türkiye’s phosphate deposits.
Mazıdağı was given district status in 1937. The district’s former name was Şamrah, which comes from its location on the caravan route from Diyarbakır to Damascus. Handicrafts have long been an important economic asset, and efforts are being made to revive these activities.
Last updated:
Photo: Sedefdavutoglu (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Founded by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I in 505–507 AD as a garrison city against the Sasanian Empire, Dara is notable for its vast underground water cisterns, necropolis area and castle ruins. It is one of the most important ancient cities of Mesopotamia.
View on mapThe underground water cisterns of Dara Ancient City are among the most impressive examples of Byzantine engineering. Built to supply the city's water needs, they are remarkable for their sheer size.
View on mapA castle whose ruins stand on a steep hill in the south-west of the district.
View on mapWhile you are in Mazıdağı, you can also see the highlights of Mardin province. These places are in other districts; Mazıdağı is about 50 km from the provincial centre.
Thin bulgur dough is wrapped around a filling of minced meat and spices, then boiled. The recipe, passed down through generations, varies slightly in every household.
Lamb ribs are stuffed with a filling of rice and spices, then baked in the oven. The recipe, passed down through generations, varies slightly in every household.
Mazıdağı is home to Dara, one of the most important Byzantine garrison cities. The ancient city was a significant setting of the Byzantine–Sasanian wars.
The economy of Mazıdağı is based on farming and livestock. Dara Ancient City has tourism potential.
Mazıdağı is 50 km from Mardin city centre. Transport is by road.
The highlights of Mazıdağı are 3 sites: Dara Ancient City, Dara Underground Cisterns and Safran Castle.
İçli Köfte and Kaburga Dolması are the standout dishes on Mazıdağı tables.
Mazıdağı is known for Wheat and Lentils and the Dara Ancient City Heritage. Wheat and lentils are grown on the farmland of Mazıdağı.
Mazıdağı is 50 km from Mardin city centre. Transport is by road.
Suggested visit: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.