Dara Mesopotamia Ruins in Nusaybin

Mardin Dara Ruins, the most famous city of Mesopotamia, is one of the most important ancient cities of the region with its 7,000-year history. You should definitely see it. The rock tombs and the water cistern are worth seeing.

One of the most amazing sites of southern Turkey. Dara was one of the most important cities of the later Romano-Persian wars and was the site of the only located battle. Much of the city is still there, including a full stretch of wall, a quarry, the agora, and the necropolis. Most impressive by far are the various water features. Atop the acropolis is a castellum aquae for handling water brought in via aqueduct and there are two giant and intact cisterns that you can descend into. Well worth seeing if you have the time!

Called the "Ephesus of Mesopotamia" the ruins of the ancient Dara are only 30 km from the center of Mardin city. Until 2008, they were completely underground, virtually arousing no interest. Due to the aforementioned proximity to the border with Syria, as well as remoteness from the west coast of Türkiye, no local excursion programs took this area into account. In the old days, Dara was one of the most important settlements on the Silk Road. In antiquity, it was an important fortress in northern Mesopotamia, on the border with the Sassanid Empire. In the 6th century, the largest Byzantine field army in the south was stationed in Dara, and the city itself was a complex complex of civilian buildings, baths, water reservoirs and public places.

Dara is a recent archeological discovery. And although comparisons with Ephesus are a little exaggerated (Ephesus is truly one of a kindit is worth the journey down from Mardin to the siteThe Necropolis is impressive, three layers with bones still scattered around on the lower levels. Usually empty of visitors (and still free at this time, although a ticket Dara is a recent archeological discovery. And although comparisons with Ephesus are a little exaggerated (Ephesus is truly one of a kindit is worth the journey down from Mardin to the siteThe Necropolis is impressive, three layers with bones still scattered around on the lower levels. Usually empty of visitors (and still free at this time, although a ticket office is being builtand rewards a good 30 minutes exploration. is being builtand rewards a good 30 minutes exploration.But do miss the Western Cistern, discovered uber a barn 5 years ago, really impressive. The Agora is still being excavated and is ho hum if you have been to other Roman sites.

Unbelievable.... Amazing

Nice to see but not a must

If you get to Mardin, worth 30km to visit this place.

Very nice site. The reviews mentioning garbage have been heard....the place looks cleaned up and more maintained. There is a lot to see here. Before you enter the city there are open air quarry sites to wander in and wonder. The main site is very beautiful with a different vibe from some other ruins I have been too. To me a bit Cappodocia/Petra/ Flintstones vibe. Hard to explain. The main city is well signed. The people are friendly and not pushy for you to buy things from them. The large underground cistern is AMAZING! The mosaic display by the school was closed when we visited. Worth the ride from Mardin.

İt is a very historical, beautifull place. İf you come to Mardin, visit it.

Its an amazing place. We loved hanging out with Security guard Rıdvan. He was extra kind with foreigners. He sent his little son Serhat and little nephew Eyüp to show us cisterns. Dont miss this place. Please dont turn your back to cradle of civilisations, Anatolia & Mezopotamia. Dara village is a paradise with olive trees and stone village houses. They basically built the village on top of ruins. Its fantastic.

Great looking burial grounds...

Really interesting place. If you stay in Mardin, then you should visit

Special place with thousands years of history

Great place to visit....it ia a must.... unfortunately I lost my mobile with the great photos of this place

Unbelievable place. One of the best Roman ruins that I saw during my travels around the world. This place is huge and consists of many objects, including massive water cisterns, bridges, agora, roads, walls, houses and other ancient Roman structures. I feel like this place deserves much more attention that it has now. History buffs can easily spend a whole day exploring it. And even for regular tourists its worth to spend at least 3-4 hours in this area.

Highlight of the area! Free to visit, as its not finished yet and will be paid someday. Underrated historical site with few tourist, really a must see!Very recommended 😉🏅👍🙏Its a Big area with few sites to see, so do the research before you go.Be aware of some anoying kids using all kind of techniques to get your money which is forgivableas communities around are really poor😉

A nice place to visit and see ... Shame there was no where open for food only ice cream...

Дара е изключително силно и въздействащо място!Dara or Daras (Greek: Δάρας, Syriac: ܕܪܐ‎[1]was an important East Roman fortress city in northern Mesopotamia on the border with the Sassanid Empire. Because of its great strategic importance, it featured prominently in the Roman-Persian conflicts (in 530, 540, 544, 573, and 604). The former archbishopric remains a multiple Catholic titular see. Today the Turkish village of Oğuz, Mardin Province, occupies its location.

The people were friendly here (a couple wanted to take a pic of me with the baby), and the caves have lots of historic appeal (such as seeing the cross etched in a wall above an archway).

This place is so beautiful but it is totally neglected. There is not any service ( just a small cafe at the entrancearound this area like it is abandoned or something. Carelessness makes this place underappreciated. There was trash everywhere even in the cistern. People are so insensitive about this. It was so upsetting to see historical places in this position. Government should take responsibility about this unique place but there is nothing. Even discovery of this place is not completed yet. There is a huge area to be discovered. I hope someday it will get the real value it deserves in the right hands.

Very impressiveJust wish more excavation completed as seems like history Is disappearing

Small, yet striking troglodyte ruin, the surrounding hills have more to explore

Dara is located only 30 minutes from Mardin by car. This is must visit place in Mardin.

Interesting place. You can walk inside houses.

An amazing old city! Totally worth the visit. And its for free. Dont miss the huge dungeon about 10 min walk from here

It was just some rocks and holes, yes, but I dont know the reason, I was impressed-actually moved. Probably it was because to see how people, so many years ago, were this capable of shaping their environment. Im glad I went there

Definitely must see ancient town!Dara, an important East Roman fortress city dating back year of 530. Ancient city is huge and modern town of Dara is now situated on the ruins which are clearly seen. People continue living in ancient city, we can say. Grave area is well kept and welcomes you as a first stop. Necropol, dungeon, and a King Seat is a bit away, in village centre. Anyone visiting Mardin shouldn’t miss this forgettable experience.

There is a lot to see. You never regret to come here.

very charming place. it is only 10 percent revealed but very impressive and historic place. Everybody who visit mardin should see this historical place

Very promising ancient city ruins. Only 5 per cent of it have been discovered yet.

Not yet fully uncovered due to funding issues i hope they find money to dig further..

You should travel with the local guide and with all that information youll learn so much things. Its fascinating.

Visiting Dara when in Mardin should be mandatory. About 35 km to the east of Mardin you find not only ruins of this once strategically important place but also a church carved into a rock with a necropolis. See graves in the walls and through a glass floor myriads of bones in basement floor. Explanation: Dead bodies were buried in the carved bunks in walls. After a few month the meat was absorbed by the lime stone and bones were either given back to the family or thrown into the ground floor. Very hygienic and brainy. Not sure if people who still bury their dead relatives in a bag, awaiting the worms from inside, could become familiar with this idea. Im bowing for them.

I was amazed by this ruin city where mostly you can find caves carved in the stone. There is alsó a necropolis which is very unique. The site is on a huge area. It is highly recommended!

Fascinating place, you should see the ruins and water cisterns from the 1st century BC

One of the important historical ruins in south eastern Turkey

Nice experience but they should provide some cover places in order to set and be aware from the sun.

Dara is a great antique place to visit it is a must in Mardin! A guide is a requirement and kids living in the village may help you when you reach there in change of some small tips

Such a huge suprise to see..Beautiful place..

Beautiful historical area, and very important to read about it before you visit.

The ancient city of Dara is located in Mardin province of Turkey. The travel to Dara from Mardin city center takes no more than a half hour by car, since it is nearly 20 km.to Mardin.If you ever travel to Mardin, its one of those must-see places.

An unexpected piece of history. Necropol, graves from ancient times and a dungeon. Worths to travel.

Cool place. Free. Look at the ruins and cisterns around the corner!

These ruins are a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere! A must see ancient civilization. Underground dungeon, temples and more.

Ruins of Byzantine Roman fortified city, built as a bulwark against the Persian Empire. The battle of Dara was fought just outside the city walls in 530.

Extensive ruins of a Byzantine era frontier city only kilometers from the border with Syria near Mardin. Amazing to see the skill of the builders. The remains of the large cisterns are impressive. Very interesting. Despite arriving during published visiting hours the gate was closed. You could see everything through the fence but no guides or info. Evident that the entire modern town was built on and with the ancient city. Only sad note, the cistern might hide the bodies of thousands of Armenians killed by Ottoman forces in 1915. A genocide Turkey denies. Part of the complicated political and religious history of the region.

A real nice place, but is important to visit with a kurdish guide. The place is near the syrian border and the arabs from the village are strange persons. Is a dangerous place alone and is not for modern european girs and young persons.

Interesting place to visit even if youre not into ancient history. Dont miss the cisterns!

Nice and beautiful as well as historical place.Close to it theres a nice cafe with the best ayran Ive ever tried.

It is a lovely place to visit and see those ruins and acknowledge their historical importance.