| From
a distance, the golden stone houses of Mardin blend into the rock
of the hills on which the city is built. On closer inspection, the stone
carving and decoration of the houses and public buildings reveals the city
to be an architectural treasure-chest. Among the jewels are the ancient
citadel and several mosques, in particular, Ulu Mosque. |
(Mardin)
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Stone
Carving (Mardin)
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| The
15th century Kasim Pasa Medrese is remarkable for its fine stonework. At
the lovely Isa Bey Medrese, from the 14th century, you can admire the magnificently
carved portal and climb to its roof to enjoy a fantastic view of the Mesopotamian
Plain. |
Architectural
detail in Mardin
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Ulu
Mosque (Mardin)
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| Only
7 kilometers east of Mardin is the Syriac-Jacobite Monastery of Deyrulzaferan,
which was once a thriving religious community. At nearby Kiziltepe,
the 13th century Ulu Mosque, one of the best examples of Artukid architecture,
has superb mihrab reliefs and a beautiful portal.
Deyrulzaferan
Monastery (Mardin)
|
| Midyat,
famous for its silver jewellery known as 'telkari', also has many elegant
and historic houses. Eighteen kilometers east of town is the active Ayriac-Jacobitew
monastery of Deyrelumur (San Gabriel) which dates from the beginning
of the fifth century. |
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Deyrulzaferan
Monastery (Mardin)
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|
