About Midyat
About an hour east of Mardin, Midyat sits at the heart of Tur Abdin, a limestone plateau whose name means mountain of the servants in Syriac and which has been a homeland of Syriac Christianity for well over a thousand years. The mansions of old Midyat, with intricately carved doorways and window frames, are among the finest examples of stonework in southeastern Türkiye. Churches, bell towers and mosques stand side by side, and the Syriac community still keeps its language, liturgy and crafts alive. Midyat is also famous for telkari, delicate silver filigree made by local masters.
Most visits combine the old town's mansions, Syriac churches and filigree workshops with a visit to Mor Gabriel Monastery to the southeast. Many full-day itineraries also add Hasankeyf, just across the border in Batman province. The usual plan is to base yourself in Mardin and visit on a day tour, but staying a night in Midyat lets you enjoy its stone lanes once the day trippers have gone. Check dress codes and visiting times for the monasteries in advance. On TurTalebi you can compare Midyat and Tur Abdin tours from local firms and pay securely by card.
Midyat Tours
Tours run by local firms in the area. Pick a date, see the price and book securely by card.
Tours Coming Soon
There are no tours live for this destination yet. Read the guide or browse all tours across Türkiye.
All ToursTop Things to See
Old Midyat Stone Mansions
Built from cut stone around inner courtyards, the multistory mansions of old Midyat are known for the delicate carving around their doors and windows. Several are open to visitors as museums, cultural centers or guesthouses.
Mor Gabriel Monastery
Southeast of Midyat, Mor Gabriel is believed to date to the late 4th century and is one of the oldest Syriac Orthodox monasteries still in use. Modest dress and quiet behavior are expected.
Telkari Filigree Workshops
Telkari, the art of twisting and joining fine silver threads into lace-like jewelry, is Midyat's signature craft. In bazaar workshops you can watch the masters at work and browse necklaces, earrings and ornaments.
Hasankeyf
Much of historic Hasankeyf on the Tigris was flooded by the Ilısu Dam, and several monuments were moved to a cultural park in the new town. Boat trips on the reservoir pass the citadel cliffs still rising above the water.
Syriac Churches of Midyat
Midyat's churches and bell towers are part of the living Syriac heritage of Tur Abdin. In some of them you may still hear the liturgy sung in Syriac, a form of Aramaic.
Plan Your Trip
When to Go
The best times to visit are April to May and September to October, when the weather is mild and the countryside is at its liveliest. Summers are hot and dry, so save the cool courtyards of the mansions for midday. Winters are cool and rainy, and the villages turn very quiet. Easter and Christmas services in the churches offer a meaningful glimpse of Syriac culture, but follow visiting etiquette with extra care at these times.
Getting There
The easiest way to reach Midyat is to fly into Mardin or Batman and continue by road. Midyat is about an hour's drive east of Mardin, which is why most visitors see it on a full-day tour from there. Mor Gabriel Monastery lies a short drive southeast of town and Hasankeyf a short drive north. Public transport between the villages and monasteries is limited, so a tour vehicle or rental car is the most practical option.
Practical Tips
- Cover shoulders and knees at Mor Gabriel and the churches, and check visiting hours beforehand, as monastery opening times can be limited.
- When buying telkari, ask about the silver content and whether the piece is handmade, and favor workshops where you can see artisans working.
- Start early if you plan to see Midyat, Mor Gabriel and Hasankeyf in a single day, as it makes for a long itinerary.