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With its stone houses, churches, mosques, natural beauty and diverse cultures and beliefs, Midyat captivates visitors, making it one of the most unique travel destinations in Turkey. With thousands of years of history etched in stone and traces of Mesopotamia and the Silk Road, it's like an outdoor museum. Let's explore Midyat, where you’re going to feel like you’re in a fairytale land as you wander its streets.

The Oldest Syriac Church: Mor Gabriel Manastırı (Mor Gabriel Monastery)

Located 20 kilometers away from Midyat, the Mor Gabriel Manastırı (Mor Gabriel Monastery) was built in 397 on the ruins of a Zerdüşt Tapınağı (Zoroastrian Temple). The first church of the Orthodox Syriacs, the building takes its name from its builders, Mor Şmuel and Mor Şemun. A section of the monastery, striking with its yellow color and cut stone, is open to visitors. Mosaics that are adorned with Greek inscriptions grace the walls of the monastery. You can see unique Byzantine mosaics that are dating back to the 6th century.

In addition to the church, the monastery houses a library, museum, guesthouse and workshops. Here, you can learn about Syriac culture and language and meet members of the Syriac community that are still living in the area. The Mor Gabriel Monastery, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, is a place where Syriacs perform their pilgrimage. Considered a Second Jerusalem, this treasure, whose stone walls conceal 1,600 years of history, is a must-see.

Caves Shedding Light on Midyat's History: Midyat Caves

Midyat is an ancient town distinguished by its natural beauty as well as its historical structures. Located in Akçakaya, Midyat, the Midyat Caves offer a blend of natural beauty and historical testimony. Used as shelter during the war between the Assyrians and Kumyks, who ruled Anatolia, the eight-thousand-year-old caves are located underground and interconnected. Today, the caves are open to visitors, allowing you to spend an unforgettable day in their unique atmosphere and discover traces of history.

A House That Hosted TV Series and Films: Midyat Guesthouse

Located two kilometers away from Midyat's city center, the Midyat Guesthouse is one of the finest examples of stonemasonry, meticulously crafted into the yellow limestone. The three-story house, which has hosted numerous TV series and films, offers a breathtaking view of Midyat from its terrace. Capture unique pictures and make your visit to Midyat truly memorable. Located 300 meters away from the Gümüşçüler Çarşısı (Silver Bazaar), the guesthouse offers tea and coffee in its courtyard, admiring the stone walls.

A Mosque Built with Midyat Cut Stone: Cevat Paşa Camii (Cevat Pasha Mosque)

Cevat Paşa Camii (Cevat Pasha Mosque), located in the Gölcük neighborhood of Midyat, was built in 1925. As its dome shape suggests, the structure, converted from a church into a mosque, was constructed using Midyat cut stones. It takes its name from Cevat Paşa, who served in the region during World War I. Known locally as the Ulu Camii (Ulu Mosque), its most striking feature is that it is the largest Islamic building in the region. Its cylindrical minaret and geometrically shaped dome with its fascinating features, are visible from the entire area.

For Handcrafted Gold and Silver Jewelry: Midyat Bazaar

Midyat is renowned for its handcrafted gold and silver products, as well as its stonework. The filigree technique, which works silver like lace, is still a tradition, dating back to 3000 BC. You can browse silver jewelry made with filigree art at the silversmiths in the Midyat Bazaar and purchase regional gold jewelry from jewelers. You can also visit the shops where you can find clogs featuring copperwork, various soaps and souvenirs showcasing the region.

A Stone Madrasa from the Artuqids: Zinciriye Medresesi (Zinciriye Madrasa)

Built by the last Artuqid sultan, the madrasa is known as İsa Bey Madrasa or Sultan İsa Madrasa. Built in the Middle Ages as a madrasa and scientific center, the building also served as an observatory and is situated on a hill. It is believed that the reason it is called Zinciriye Madrasa is the chain stretched between two slatted domes. The madrasa, notable for its stone structure, is one of the oldest structures bearing witness to Midyat's history, much like the Mor Gabriel Monastery.

Deyrulzafaran Manastırı (Deyrulzafaran Monastery): The Residence of the Syriac-Orthodox Patriarchs

Located near Eskikale, Midyat, the Deyrulzafaran Monastery is a masterpiece that has witnessed centuries of history. Built on the ruins of a temple that was built by sun worshippers, the monastery has been active since the 5th century. The monastery, where the Syriac-Orthodox patriarchs lived until 1932, achieved its final form with the completion of the structures that were added to the monastery in the 18th century.

Inspired by Eski Mardin (Old Mardin) and Midyat: Elite World Comfy Midyat

For a comfortable stay during your visit to Mardin, choose Elite World Comfy Midyat. Located within walking distance of Eski Midyat (Old Midyat), the hotel is ready to accommodate you for cultural tours, business meetings and leisure stays.

Clad with traditional Mardin stone, the hotel features 65 rooms, spa and fitness areas and a restaurant and café serving delicious cuisine. If you are looking for a comfortable accommodation experience during your visit to Midyat, where every street oozes history, you can choose Elite World Comfy Midyat.

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