With so many interesting sights
around the old city of Mardin, perhaps more than a dozen of mosques and churches, madrasas, etc, but I have a very limited time –
a full day - to spend. I have to move fast so I never get to enter a lot of
them, most just passing by, except for the significant ones.
Meryem Ana Kilisesi
On the right side of the Mardin
Museum there is a stairs with a dilapidated building and on the left is a gate
(closed) with a sign that says "Meryem Ana Kilisesi or the Church of the
Virgin Mary built in 1895. It is a Syrian Catholic Church
built by Antun Semhari.
Saint Hirmiz Chaldean Church
This is a 1,600 year-old Saint
Hirmiz Chaldean church is located along the main Cumhuriyet Cadessi. The sign indicates AD397, probably the
construction date of the church.
Kasim Tugmaner Mosque
This mosque along the main
thoroughfare of Cumhuriyet Cad. is built on the foundation of an old
church. Built in 1960, the arched
entrance is intricately decorated with flowers in vines and geometric designs
and a two stars on both sides. Some
Arabic inscriptions too around the name of the mosque. One minaret is attached on one
side of the mosque.
Şehidiye Medresse and Mosque
The mosque and madrasa (Islamic
school) was built by Sultan Melik Nasruddin Artuk Aslan in 1214
The madrasa has a courtyard
surrounded by porticos, several iwans, and a mosque. The ribbed and intricately carved minaret
with two balconies was added later between 1916-1917 hence it contrasted in
style to the rest of the structure. There is a big elevated terrace
on the right side serving as an open air café. Sultan Atuk Aslan was buried in
this madrasa.
Melik Mahmut Mosque
Melik Mahmut Mosque, also called
Bab’es Sur was built during the 14th century. It is known for its large gate
which features elaborate stonework.
According to an inscription, it
was built in the third quarter of the 14th century. The main portal facing the
main square and road is an elaborately decorated stonework. The mosque has a
central dome and is flanked by two barrel-vaulted sections. The empty square mausoleum of
Melik Mahmut is located in the courtyard.
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