Mardin is a city in southeastern Turkey. It is an open-air museum due to its historical architecture. There are lots of historical stone houses, mosques, madrasas, churches, baths and also different cultures, languages and religions in Mardin. Let's find out the most important places in our city.

Mardin stone houses, which first come to mind when Mardin is mentioned, are the symbols of the traditional life as a marvel of architacture. the yellow stone which can be easily accessed in the region has beed the main building of Mardin houses. Mardin houses seem to be stacked on the top of each other. Doors and windows are decorated with columns, arches and various motifs.

Zinciriye Madrasa is one of the most beautiful historical landmarks in Mardin. It was built in 1385 by Sultan İsa. The reason why it's called Zinciriye is that there was chain streched between two sliced domes. The madrasa consists of courtyard on two floors, mosque and tomp. The upper floor consists small rooms where people once studied in the Madrasa. Another important feature ,n the architecture of the madrasa is the sound system, thanks to it the call of the prayer can be heard in the entire madrasa without a loudspeaker. The madrasa has two domes. At the present, Zinciriye Madrasa is one of the most tourist sights in Mardin.

Kasımiye Madrasa is located in the southwest of the old part of Mardin. It's amongst the most significant historical sights of the city. It's known that the constraction of the madrasa started in the end of 13th Century. Symbols of astronomy and medicine can be seen on the walls of the Madrasah, which has been used for multiple purposes. There is a large pool in the courtyard of the madrasa. The pool was designed with a philosophical architectural approach to descrice human life from bith to death. Kasımiye Madrasa is a mustseen place in Mardin.

Mardin museum was built in 1985 as a partriarchate centre depend on Church of Virgin Mary. It was opened as a museum in 1995. At the museum necklaces, earrings, bracelets, hair jewelry, coppers, traditional clothes, swords, coffee sets, coins, candels, tear bottles etc. are exhibited.

Great Mosque of Mardin (Ulu Camii) is located in the heart of old part of Mardin. It was built in 11th century. The building originally had two minarets, one of which was destroyed during Timur's seige in 15th century. The mosque can be visited anytime. Don't forget to take of your shoes before entering. The ladies are expected to cover their heads while entering the inside of the mosque.