2 places to visit in the Yeşilli district of Mardin: Yeşilli Mosque and Natural Areas around Yeşilli. Plan your trip to Yeşilli with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Yeşilli is a district of Mardin province. It gained district status in 1990 and is located close to Mardin city centre. The district covers an area of 168 square kilometres. The average elevation of the district centre is 821 metres above sea level.

Geography

Yeşilli stands out for its geography overlooking the Mesopotamian plain and its quiet settlement pattern. In the district, where stone architecture can be seen, the climate and cultural features specific to the Southeastern Anatolia Region prevail.

Economy

The district’s economy rests largely on farming. Grape growing is widespread, and cherry production is also significant on a local scale. Cherry production is promoted through the Yeşilli International Culture, Art and Cherry Festival, which is held every year.

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Places to Visit in Yeşilli

  • 1 Religious
  • 1 Nature
Religious

Yeşilli Mosque

The mosque in the district centre was built in the traditional architecture of south-eastern Anatolia. It is an important cultural heritage for the people of Yeşilli and bears witness to the district's history.

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Nature

Natural Areas around Yeşilli

The farmland and natural beauty around the district are suitable for nature walks.

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Places to Visit Around Mardin Province

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While you are in Yeşilli, you can also see the highlights of Mardin province. These places are in other districts; Yeşilli is about 15 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 Yeşilli

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

What to Eat in Yeşilli

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  • İçli Köfte (bulgur balls stuffed with spiced mince)

    Thin bulgur dough is wrapped around a filling of minced meat and spices, then boiled. Prepared with fresh, natural ingredients, the dish is a healthy choice.

  • Sembusek (triangular pastry)

    A traditional pastry made by folding thin dough around minced meat or cheese into a triangle shape and frying it. Prepared with fresh, natural ingredients, the dish is a healthy choice.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Yeşilli

  • Traditional Life

    Yeşilli is a small district that keeps alive traditional Mardin culture. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local cultural identity.

Local Products

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

Economy

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

How to Get to Yeşilli

Yeşilli is 15 km from Mardin city centre. Transport is by road.

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Yeşilli: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Yeşilli?

The highlights of Yeşilli are 2 sites: Yeşilli Mosque and Natural Areas around Yeşilli.

What to eat in Yeşilli?

İçli Köfte and Sembusek are the standout dishes on Yeşilli tables.

What is Yeşilli famous for?

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

How do I get to Yeşilli?

Yeşilli is 15 km from Mardin city centre. Transport is by road.

How long should I spend in Yeşilli?

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

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Other Districts of Mardin

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