Mardin Castle

History

The castle crowns the rocky ridge on which Mardin is built. In use since Roman times, it became the seat of government under the Artuqids. This position is the reason Mardin withstood a thousand years of sieges.

Why go

The castle is a military zone today and closed to visitors — but its real value is visible from below: the city leans against its slopes in terraces, and every street looks up at that mass of rock. To understand why Mardin is arranged the way it is, you only have to look up.

Visiting notes

You cannot go inside; know that before you set out. The best views are from the terrace of the Zinciriye Madrasa or the high streets around Republic Square. Floodlit at night, it takes on a different character altogether.

Getting there

Any street climbing up from the mansion brings you to a point facing the castle. Five minutes is enough for the view.