Dara Ancient CityPlaces to Visit in Mardin

Situated in the heart of Upper Mesopotamia, just 30 kilometers southeast of Mardin in Turkey, the Ancient City of Dara was established in the 6th century AD and was originally called Anastasiopolis. This historic settlement is renowned for its deep-rooted heritage and stands out as one of the region's most iconic ancient cities.

Stretching across an impressive 9-kilometer area, the Dara Ancient City is predominantly hewn into natural rock formations. Among the fascinating sights are rock-carved cave dwellings, along with the remains of a church, palatial structures, a marketplace, storage chambers, a prison, a cannon workshop, and an extensive aqueduct system. These remarkable features reflect the city’s historical evolution through the Late Roman and Early Byzantine eras, extending into the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.

Upon entering the city, to the left of the roadway lies a necropolis, where burial chambers have been intricately carved into the limestone cliffs. These graves range from modest designs to elaborately adorned tombs, reflecting the wealth and social status families could afford for their loved ones' final resting places.

The ruins of numerous ancient structures can be found alongside the now-dry riverbed, which is spanned by a Byzantine-era bridge. Across the river, the imposing remnants of fortification walls and watchtowers still stand, offering a glimpse into the city's defensive architecture.

Among the most striking features of Dara are the enormous water cisterns, some of which remain concealed underground and can only be accessed with the help of a designated key bearer. Directly across from the local tea house, additional cisterns can be observed—partially roofed and visibly accessible to visitors.

With a remarkable history stretching back 2,300 years, the ancient city of Dara stands as one of the most magnificent archaeological sites in the Mardin region. The Romans have left behind captivating remnants such as rock-cut tombs, ancient churches, underground cisterns, and many other impressive structures.

For any questions or further details about Dara Ancient City, feel free to reach out to us via email at [email protected] or simply contact us on WhatsApp. We’re happy to assist you as quickly as possible.