Midyat is a district of Mardin province, located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Midyat, notable for its historical and cultural riches and unique architecture, resembles virtually an open-air museum. The district covers an area of over 10,000 km² and is located approximately 1.5 hours away from Mardin.
History
Midyat's history dates back to very ancient times and bears the traces of different civilizations. There are various views regarding the name of the district. According to some sources, Midyat comes from a word derived from a mixture of Persian, Arabic, and Syriac, meaning "mirror". According to another account, it is derived from the word "Matiate," meaning "City of Caves." This view states that the name "Matiate" appears in Assyrian inscriptions from the 9th century BC, and Assyrian Emperor Ashurbanipal II said in 879 BC, "I took Matiate and its villages under my command." The fact that Midyat's first settlements were caves is supported by traces from the Roman period found in the Elath (Sheikh Eles) locality.
According to the 1973 Mardin Provincial Yearbook, the Eti Turks, who migrated from Central Asia, settled in Mesopotamia in the 2000s BC and founded Midyat as a cave city. These caves were used as shelters connected by tunnels. Later, the Komuk Turks settled in the region and experienced long wars with the Assyrians. Between 500-100 BC, Macedonians, Persians, and Romans ruled the region. Midyat's actual settlement dates back to the Seleucid period (180 BC).
Christianity dominated the region until the 5th century AD, and with the spread of Islam from the 6th century onwards, Arab raids began. In the 7th century, Khalid ibn al-Walid's armies conquered the region, and construction activities were seen during the Abbasid period. Most of Midyat's villages were established during the time of Harun al-Rashid, and the Mahalmiler community emerged during this period. In the 11th century, the Artuqids dominated the region, and Midyat experienced a prosperous era during this period. Midyat, captured by the Ottomans in 1535, gained district status in 1810 and was developed by Cevat Pasha in 1915.
Geographical Structure
Midyat is located in the Tur Abdin region, which is part of Upper Mesopotamia. To its east are Dargeçit, to its west Ömerli, to its northwest Savur, to its north Gercüş (a district of Batman), to its south Nusaybin, and to its southeast İdil (a district of Şırnak). The region has a hilly terrain, and its area exceeds 10,000 km². Beneath Midyat, there are caves connected by tunnels, which have been used as shelters throughout history.
Climate and Vegetation
Midyat has a transitional climate, combining Mediterranean and continental climate characteristics. Its summers are very hot and dry, while its winters are rainy and cold. The region's vegetation has a steppe character and possesses fertile soils suitable for agriculture. In Midyat, trees such as oak, terebinth, and pistachio grow, along with snake cucumbers, melons, and some of the world's highest quality grapes.
Social Structure
Midyat has a mosaic structure where different cultures and religions coexist. Throughout history, Syriacs, Turks, Arabs, and other peoples have coexisted here. The community known as the Mahalmiler in the region speaks Mahalmice, a language mixed with Turkish, Syriac, and Arabic. As Syriacs gradually left the region, the city center shifted to Estel, but Midyat's cultural diversity has persisted.
Economic Structure
Midyat's economy is based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and handicrafts. Products such as grapes, pistachios, and melons are grown in its fertile lands. In addition, silver craftsmanship and filigree art are among the district's important economic activities. In Midyat's bazaar, a few filigree masters still continue this tradition. Tourism has also increasingly occupied a larger place in the economic structure in recent years.
Tourism Potential
Midyat, with its stone mansions, arched passages, Syriac churches, and mosques, resembles a medieval city. Among the places to visit in the district are Midyat House, Estel Culture House, Municipality Museum, Mansion Square, Silversmiths' Bazaar, Gelüşke Inn, Mor Gabriel (Deyrulumur) Monastery, and Beyazsu Recreation Area. Mor Gabriel Monastery, built in 397 AD, was taken under protection during the era of Caliph Omar. For accommodation in Midyat, there are options such as boutique hotels like Kasr-ı Nehroz and Shmayaa Hotel, as well as Demirdağ Hotel and Matiat Hotel. Local dishes such as kitele, ırok, sembusek, stuffed ribs, and lebeniyye attract the attention of tourists.
Demographic Structure
Midyat has hosted various ethnic and religious groups throughout history. Syriacs, Turks, and Arabs are the main demographic elements of the region. However, with the migration of Syriacs, the population structure changed, and the city center shifted to Estel. The Mahalmiler continue to exist as a unique community in the region. Today, the district exhibits a vibrant demographic structure, influenced by both the local population and tourism. Midyat is one of Türkiye's important touristic and historical centers, with its rich history, cultural fabric, and natural beauty. This district, noted for its silver craftsmanship, stone architecture, and local cuisine, offers visitors a unique experience.
