Things to Do in Ömerli: 3 Places to Visit

Places to Visit in Ömerli

• 2 Religious
• 1 Nature

While you are in Ömerli, you can also see the highlights of Mardin province. These places are in other districts; Ömerli is about 70 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 Ömerli

Suggested time

Half a day

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn

Places to visit

3 places

• 🥟

  İçli Köfte (bulgur balls stuffed with spiced mince)

  Thin bulgur dough is wrapped around a filling of minced meat and spices, then boiled. An important part of the district's gastronomic identity, this dish is a favourite with visitors.

• 🍖

  Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs)

  Lamb ribs are stuffed with a filling of rice and spices, then baked in the oven. Because it is prepared with seasonal ingredients, the dish offers a different flavour in each season.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Ömerli

• 🏘️

  Traditional Life

  Ömerli is a small district that keeps alive the traditional village culture of south-eastern Anatolia. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local cultural identity.

Local Products

• Ömerli Karfoki Grapes — Ömerli Karfoki Grapes were registered as a protected designation of origin on 8 February 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 663). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Ömerli Subprovincial Governorship.
• Wheat — Wheat grown on the farmland of Ömerli is the district's main agricultural product.

Economy

The economy of Ömerli is based on farming and livestock. Wheat, barley and lentils are the main agricultural products.

How to Get to Ömerli

Ömerli is 70 km from Mardin city centre. Transport is by road.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Mardin

Ömerli: Frequently Asked Questions

Continue Your Trip

• 🍽️ What to Eat in Ömerli Famous dishes and local products →
• 🗺️ Things to Do in Mardin The province's 12 best places and all its districts →

Other Districts of Mardin

• Artuklu 7 places Mardin Castle, Mardin Stone Houses and Old Town and Zinciriye (Sultan İsa) Madrasa
• Dargeçit 3 places Dargeçit Castle, Tigris Valley Views and Mor Kuruyakos Church (Kerboran)
• Derik 7 places Derik Olive Groves, Derik Castle and Tepebağ (Telbisim) and Beşkavak (Hofi) Ruins
• Kızıltepe 5 places Kızıltepe Grand Mosque, Dunaysır Ancient City and Dunaysır Bridge
• Mazıdağı 3 places Dara Antik Kenti (Dara Ancient City), Dara Underground Cisterns and Safran Castle
• Midyat 6 places Midyat Stone Houses, Mor Gabriel Monastery and Konuk Evi (Guest House)
• Nusaybin 5 places Mor Yakup Monastery, Nusaybin Ancient City and Zeynelabidin Mosque Complex
• Savur 3 places Savur Castle, Savur Stone Houses and Historic Fabric of Savur Centre
• Yeşilli 2 places Yeşilli Mosque and Natural Areas around Yeşilli