Ancient City of Dara

History

Dara was founded at the beginning of the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor Anastasius I as a garrison city against the Sasanian frontier. With its walls, aqueducts, enormous cisterns and dam, it was one of the most advanced engineering projects of its time.

Why go

The most striking part today is the multi-storey necropolis carved into rock: burial niches cut into the cliff face like the floors of a building. Descending into the vast cistern known as the 'dungeon', the silence echoing between the columns is unlike anywhere else. Excavations continue; a new section opens almost every year.

Visiting notes

The site is open-air with little shade; bring a hat and water. There is an entrance fee. Avoid midday in summer. You are free to walk among the ruins inside the village, and hiring a local guide greatly enriches the visit.

Getting there

About 40 minutes by car: take the Mardin–Nusaybin road and turn off for Oğuz (Dara) village. Public transport is limited; a taxi or rental car is recommended.