Mardin (Province)

Mardin is a city located at the intersection of Mesopotamia and Anatolia, having served as a home to various civilizations throughout history. Its architecture, renowned for its stonework, and its social structure, where diverse cultures and beliefs coexist, attract attention. Its history extends back to 50,000 BCE, bearing traces of numerous civilizations from the Sumerians to the Romans, from the Artuqids to the Ottomans. With its historical structures, traditional handicrafts, and rich kitchen culture, Mardin possesses a multi-layered cultural heritage.

History

Mardin has hosted numerous civilizations from prehistoric times to the present day, maintaining its role as a cultural and commercial center on the northern frontier of Mesopotamia. Due to its geographical position, the city has passed under the control of many states in different periods and is notable for its stonework, multicultural structure, and architectural fabric.

Prehistoric Cultures

The earliest traces of civilization in Mardin extend back to the Musterian period (c. 50,000 BCE). In the mountainous margins of Mesopotamia, particularly at the Jermo settlement, evidence of this transition can be observed. Settlements related to agriculture and animal husbandry are known to have emerged around 6750 BCE. During the Halaf culture period (c. 4500 BCE), metalworking began, and wheeled vehicles, paved roads, and advanced kilns came into use. The earliest settlers of Mardin were the Subarians, although definitive information about their influence in Mesopotamia remains lacking. With the advent of writing around 3000 BCE by the Sumerians, the civilizations of the region were systematically recorded.

Akkadians (c. 2350–2000 BCE)

The Akkadians, alongside the Sumerians, established the first centralized empire in Mesopotamia, transforming the region’s political structure. Rulers such as Sargon, Rimush, Manishtushu, Naram-Sin, and Shar-kali-sharri like unified Mesopotamian territories under a single center, bringing the Mardin region under their rule.

Babylonian Period (c. 2000–1500 BCE)

During the reign of Hammurabi (c. 1792–1750 BCE), the height of the Babylonian Kingdom, Mardin came under Babylonian dominance. The city, which became the trade center of Mesopotamia, experienced development in science, law and architectural fields during this period.

Hurrians and the Mitanni Kingdom (c. 1600–1300 BCE)

The Hurrians settled in the region at the end of the third millennium BCE, but their greatest power was manifested in the Mitanni Kingdom between 1500 and 1300 BCE. The Hurrians left a significant cultural legacy in Mesopotamia and entered into political competition with the Hittites.

Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian Empires (c. 1300–539 BCE)

Mardin remained under the control of the Assyrian Kingdom (c. 1300–612 BCE) and later passed to the Neo-Babylonian Empire (c. 612–539 BCE). During these periods, it was fortified with military garrisons and became a key station along trade routes.

Persians and Hellenistic Period (c. 539–63 BCE)

Mardin and its surroundings were administered under the satrapy system of the Persian Empire (Achaemenids) (c. 539–331 BCE). The region entered the Hellenistic period after Alexander the Great (c. 336–323 BCE) conquered it, followed by the Seleucid Kingdom (c. 312–63 BCE) judgment.

Roman and Byzantine Period (c. 63 BCE–641 CE)

In 63 BCE, the Roman Empire took control of the region from the Parthians, and it later came under Byzantine rule. During the wars between the Byzantine and Sassanian Empires (224–651 CE), Mardin frequently changed hands. During this period, the ancient city of Dara was used by the Byzantines as a major military center.

Arab Conquest and Abbasid Period (641–1250 CE)

With the Arab conquest of the region in 641 CE, Mardin became part of the Islamic world and flourished as a major cultural and commercial center during the Umayyad (661–750 CE) and Abbasid (750–1258 CE) periods. During the Abbasid era, tribes such as Banu Taghlib, Bekir and Tamim played significant roles in Mardin.

Hamdanids and Mirdasids (895–1089 CE)

Mardin was governed as part of the Mosul Emirate during the Hamdanid period and later came under the control of the Mirdasids (990–1085 CE). During this time, Mardin was strengthened defensively and its commercial ties expanded.

Seljuks and Artuqids (1089–1409 CE)

In 1089 CE, Seljuks defeated the Mirdasids and captured Mardin. However, Artuqids (1101–1409 CE), after short years, seized control of the region and transformed Mardin into one of the key centers of Turkish-Islamic architecture. The Artuqids enriched Mardin intellectually and culturally through the construction of madrasas, mosques, and caravanserais.

Mongols and Timurid Period (1250–1409 CE)

Mongols (Ilkhanids) seized control of the region in the 1250s, after which it suffered extensive destruction under Timur (1400–1401 CE).

Kara Koyunlu and Ak Koyunlu (1409–1508 CE)

Kara Koyunlu captured Mardin in 1409, after which Akkoyunlu (1469–1508 CE) brought the region under its control.

Safavids and Ottoman Period (1508–1923 CE)

The Safavids captured Mardin in 1508, but Yavuz Sultan Selim (1516) incorporated the region into Ottoman territories. During the Ottoman period, Mardin developed administratively, commercially and culturally, becoming an important trade and art center.

Republican Period (1923–Present)

With the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye, Mardin was integrated into the modern administrative system and has continued to exist as a city where diverse cultural and ethnic groups coexist. Today, Mardin maintains its importance as a center known for its historical structures, handicrafts, and culinary culture.

Geographical Structure

Mardin is an important city located in southeastern Türkiye, on the northern edge of the Mesopotamian Plain. Due to its Strategic position, the city has hosted numerous civilizations throughout history and is notable for its diverse geographical features and climatic conditions.

Location and Boundaries

Mardin lies between 37° 11' and 38° 45' north latitudes and 39° 56' and 42° 54' east longitudes. The province, situated in Türkiye’s Southeastern Anatolia Region, borders Şanlıurfa to the west, Diyarbakır and Batman to the north, Siirt and Şırnak to the east, and Syria to the south. Mardin shares an 180 km border with Syria and serves as a vital trade gateway to Middle East.

Climate

Mardin’s climate varies due to its geographical structure. The mountainous areas in the north intensify the effects of cold air, while hot air masses from the Mesopotamian Plain in the south influence the region.

Although a continental climate predominates, some areas exhibit Mediterranean climate influences. Summers are very hot and dry, while winters are cold and rainy. During Winter months, the mountainous areas in the north receive snow, while the lowland areas in the south typically experience rain.

Microclimate Areas:

The cultivation of cotton, hazelnut and olive in the districts of Derik, Nusaybin and Savur indicates that these areas possess microclimate characteristics. In these districts, hybrid features of Mediterranean and continental climates prevail.

Topography

Mardin’s Earth's surface features consist of mountains, plateaus and plains.

• Mardin Mountains (Mazı Mountains): The Mazı Mountains, located north of the city, are among the most significant elevations in the province.
• Mesopotamian Plain: The plain to the south of the city is of great agricultural importance.
• Savur, Midyat and Ömerli Plateaus: The plateaus within the city’s interior are used for settlement and agricultural activities.

The average elevation of Mardin above sea level is approximately 1,083 meters. However, while the city center is situated at a high elevation, the lowland areas to the south descend to 400–500 meters.

Natural Resources and Minerals

Mardin contains various mineral deposits and natural resources.

• Phosphate: One of Türkiye’s significant phosphate deposits is located in Mardin.
• Limestone: This stone, used in construction and stonework, holds a central place in Mardin’s architectural structure.
• Lignite and salt deposits: Lignite and salt deposits are found in certain parts of the region.

Rivers and Dams

The important rivers and water sources in Mardin are as follows:

• Çağ Çağı Çayı: It flows through Midyat and Nusaybin and empties into Syria.
• Zergan Çayı: One of Mardin’s water sources, used for agricultural irrigation.
• Beyazsu: This water source between Midyat and Nusaybin supplies the region’s drinking water needs.
• Tigris River: The Tigris River, located east of Mardin, is a vital water source for the region.

Several important dams in Mardin serve agricultural and energy production purposes:

• Ilısu Dam: Located on the Tigris River, this is one of Türkiye’s largest hydroelectric power plants.
• Cizre Dam: Another dam used for water supply and energy production.

Economic Structure

Mardin’s economic structure has historically been based on agriculture, trade and handicrafts. Due to its location on the fertile lands of the Mesopotamian Plain and along major trade routes, the city has maintained a strategic economic position from antiquity to the present. Today, agriculture, animal husbandry, industry and the service sector are the main economic activities.

Industry and Production

Industry in Mardin has developed significantly in recent years. Key sectors in the city include agricultural industry, food production, textiles and mining.

• Organized Industrial Zone (OSB): The Mardin Organized Industrial Zone is one of the most important centers of industrialization. Numerous factories operate here in the food, plastic, textile and construction sectors.
• Food Industry: Mardin’s industry based on agricultural production has grown. Bulgur, flour, lentils and legume processing facilities hold a significant place in the city’s economy.
• Mining: Mardin is notable for its natural resources such as phosphate and limestone. Mardin stone, used in construction, is a resource of high economic value.
• Textile and Carpet Making: Handwoven carpets and textile products are produced for both domestic markets and export. Particularly shawls and şapik fabrics are distinctive woven products of the region.
• Handicrafts and Artisanship: Traditional handicrafts remain an important economic activity in Mardin. Crafts such as filigree (silverwork), coppersmithing, stone carving, wood carving and glassblowing serve as economic resources for both local communities and tourists.

Trade and Service Sector

Due to its location along major trade routes throughout history, Mardin has developed a strong trade and service sector.

• Local and Regional Trade: Agricultural products, handicrafts and textile goods from Mardin hold an important place in trade both within the city and with neighboring provinces and countries. Particularly legumes, olives, grapes and Mardin bulgur are significant agricultural products in the city’s economy.
• Tourism: In recent years, Mardin has experienced significant growth in tourism. With its historical structures, religious tourism and cultural heritage, the city welcomes thousands of domestic and international tourists annually. Boutique hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops are the most important components of the tourism sector.
• Transportation and Logistics: Due to its location, Mardin is a crucial transit point in logistics. Acting as a bridge between Southeastern Anatolia and the Middle East, the city is an important commercial center for international road transport.

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of Mardin’s economy. Thanks to the fertile soils of the Mesopotamian Plain, a wide variety of agricultural products are cultivated.

Main Agricultural Products:

Animal Husbandry:

Infrastructure

Mardin’s infrastructure features a structure that seeks to balance the preservation of its historical fabric with modern development. The city’s infrastructure in transportation, education, health and energy has advanced, yet certain areas require special regulations due to its historical character.

Urban Transportation

Mardin’s city transportation system exhibits a distinct structure due to narrow and historic streets. A clear difference exists between Old Mardin and New Mardin. In Old Mardin, vehicle traffic is restricted to preserve the historical fabric, and narrow streets are suitable for pedestrian transportation. In New Mardin, wide roads, modern intersections and public transportation services are available.

Public Transportation:

<