Savur is a district of Mardin province, located in the Southeastern Anatolian Region of Türkiye. This historical settlement, situated north of Mesopotamia, stands out with its rich history, natural beauties, and cultural fabric. The district's surface area is 1049 km², and it is connected to Mardin city center by a 47 km asphalt road. Savur, which gained district status in 1884, had a population of 31,817 according to 2010 data; the district center's population was 7,170. Administratively, it has 4 municipalities (Savur center, Pınardere, Sürgücü, Yeşilalan) and 35 villages.
History
The history of Savur dates back to the ancient past of Mesopotamia and extends to the Hittites. The first known inhabitants of the region were the Hurrians, and it was mentioned as "Şaru" during the northern Syrian campaign of Assyrian King Adat Nirari in 1300 BCE; this city is believed to be Savur. Assyrian sources indicate that a rebellion broke out in Şaru during the reign of Surnasirpal II (883-859 BCE) and spread to Habur. During the Assyrian period, Savur was known for its poplar trade with Mosul; poplars were transported via the Tigris River on leather rafts, forming an important source of income. This tradition continues today.
During the Persian period (7th century BCE), under Achaemenid rule, Savur was a region inhabited by people who had retreated to mountainous areas due to Median pressure. The Parthian State, founded in 247 BCE, conquered Mesopotamia, including Savur, during the reign of Mithridates I (160-139 BCE). With the Roman Empire's entry into the region, Savur frequently changed hands; it was called "Sauras" during the Byzantine period and "Staor" during the Sasanian period. During the Roman-Sasanian conflicts, the release of Jews by Persian King Cyrus affected the demographic structure of the region.
With the spread of Islam, during the reign of Caliph Umar (634-644 CE), Islamic armies conquered Savur without resistance. Savur came under the rule of the Mervanids in 990 CE and the Seljuks in the 11th century, and in the 12th century, it was the scene of a 300-year reign by the Artuqids. Later, the Kara Koyunlu and Ak Koyunlu controlled the region. During the Ottoman period, with Yavuz Sultan Selim's annexation of Savur in 1516, the district officially gained district status in 1884. In Ottoman records, it was listed as one of the important settlements of the Mardin Sanjak in 1526.
Geographical Structure
Savur is located in the mountainous region of Mardin, north of Mesopotamia. It is surrounded by Şırnak to the east, Şanlıurfa to the west, Diyarbakır to the north, and Mardin to the south. The district is built on a camel-back shaped ridge between the last peak of the Mardin mountains and the natural castle to the north. Its average altitude is 900 meters. The Savur Stream, flowing through it, brings life to the valleys. The surface features are characterized by discontinuous ridges and remnants of extinct volcanoes. The wide plains in the northwest are suitable for agriculture.
Climate and Vegetation
Savur experiences a mixture of Mediterranean and continental climates. Winters are cold, and summers are hot and dry; precipitation is generally concentrated in spring. The natural vegetation consists of shrubby oak forests. Spring rains are critically important for the revival of agriculture and vegetation.
Social Structure
Savur's social fabric has been shaped by the influence of different civilizations throughout history. According to 16th-century Ottoman records, 65.8% of the population was Muslim and 34.2% Christian; four of the villages connected to the district were Christian, and the rest were Muslim. Although this diversity has decreased today, the district still preserves its cultural richness. Buildings famous for their stone masonry and its dominant position on the mountain slope indicate the historical accumulation of social life.
Economic Structure
Savur's economy is based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Cereal cultivation is common in the northwestern plains; yield increases when spring rains are abundant. Vegetables, fruits, and poplar cultivation are carried out in irrigable valleys. In recent years, cherry orchards and small-scale melon and watermelon production have developed. Poplar trade has been an important source of income since the Assyrian period and continues today. Although there is a wine factory in Savur, known for its viticulture and world-famous grapes, it is currently idle. Pistachio and cherry cultivation hold promise for the future. Animal husbandry was one of the main livelihoods in the past; however, this activity has declined as rural areas were abandoned due to the terrorist environment.
Tourism Potential
Savur has significant tourism potential with its historical and natural beauties. Savur Castle is a structure believed to have been built during the Roman period and located on a hilltop; it has recently been illuminated by the municipality, becoming a visual attraction. Rock houses, the Old Grand Mosque, Romaniye and Mor Yuhanna Churches (Dereiçi Village), tombs, and Başkavak Bridge reflect the historical fabric of the district. With its charming structure similar to Mardin, Savur appears as "a historical site crafted by a master hand." Access to the district is easily provided by minibuses departing from Mardin.
Demographic Structure
According to 2010 data, Savur's total population is 31,817; 7,170 people live in the district center (3,516 males, 3,654 females). The number of administrative units is 38; there are four municipalities, including the central one, in the towns of Pınardere, Sürgücü, and Yeşilalan. Historically, the population has harbored different ethnic and religious groups; today, the Muslim population is predominantly in the majority. Migration from rural areas has affected the demographic structure.
