%20(2).png)
MYSTIC MESOPOTAMIA
TÜRKİYE, 7 DAYS
East of Turkey is a captivating region where towering mountains meet ancient Mesopotamian plains. It’s home to a rich mix of cultures – Turks, Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, and Arabs – reflected in its languages, architecture, and cuisine. The area is generally safe for travelers, with warm hospitality and deep respect for guests being part of the local tradition.
Dress code: There is no requirement for women to cover their heads (except inside mosques or monasteries). Modest clothing is advised in rural areas; in cities, casual attire is acceptable, but very short shorts or revealing tops may draw attention.
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Cash is useful, especially in smaller towns and markets. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas.
SIM cards: Available at airports and in most cities (Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom). eSIM options are also available.
Time Zone: GMT+3
Visa: Many nationalities — including those from the EU, US, Canada, and the UK — can enter visa-free for short stays.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and blooming nature.
Day 1 The Northern Gateway of Mesopotamia
Your journey begins in Diyarbakır, a city wrapped in black basalt walls that whisper the stories of empires long gone. Step inside the Sur İç Kale (Inner Castle), where every stone carries the memory of countless rulers. At the Great Mosque of Diyarbakır (Ulu Cami), admire one of Anatolia’s earliest mosques, its grandeur blending Islamic devotion with Roman remnants.
Pause at the Hasan Paşa Caravanserai, once a resting place for Silk Road merchants, now alive with the aroma of Turkish coffee and laughter. Later, stand before the Ten-Arched Bridge (Ongözlü Köprü) spanning the mighty Tigris River, a symbol of resilience since the 11th century. Before sunset, stroll through the lush Hevsel Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has fed civilizations for millennia.
Overnight in Diyarbakır
Day 2 Between Tigris and Tradition
Travel along the Tigris to Hasankeyf, a timeless town carved into cliffs. Wander through ancient cave dwellings, climb to Hasankeyf Castle, and visit the turquoise-tiled Zeynel Bey Mausoleum, a testament to forgotten dynasties.
Continue to Midyat, where honey-colored stone houses glow in the sun. Walk through the old bazaar, discover centuries-old churches, and watch master craftsmen at work in silver workshops. Optionally, step into the serene world of the Mor Gabriel Monastery, the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery, echoing with ancient chants.
Overnight in Midyat
Day 3 City of Stone & Faiths
Perched on a hill overlooking the endless Mesopotamian plains, Mardin is a city of golden limestone and harmony between faiths. Wander the labyrinthine alleys of the Old Town, where houses and mosques cling to the slopes like an open-air museum.
Visit the elegant Zinciriye Medrese, its courtyards opening onto sweeping horizons. Step inside the Ulu Cami, where centuries of prayer have softened the stone floors. At the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, once the seat of the Syriac Patriarchate, experience a living bridge between past and present. End the day gazing across the panorama of Mesopotamia, where land and sky merge into eternity.
Overnight in Mardin
Day 4 Slow Living in the
Stone City
Today is yours to embrace Mardin at your own pace.
Sip dibek coffee in a rooftop café overlooking the plains. Lose yourself in the narrow bazaars filled with copper, spices, and handwoven textiles. Visit smaller hidden gems like the Kasimiye Medrese or the artisan workshops of Savurkapı. Or simply wander—every alley reveals carved doorways, ornate balconies, and the hum of daily life continuing in this timeless setting.
Optional activities: cooking classes, wine tasting in nearby vineyards, or a day trip to Savur, a quiet town of Ottoman charm.
Overnight in Mardin
Day 5 Şanlıurfa: Sacred City of Prophets
Journey to Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest sanctuarium (9600 BC), where carved pillars tell the stories of humanity’s first beliefs. Continue to Şanlıurfa, a city steeped in legend, believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham.
Wander around the sacred pools of Balıklıgöl, where shimmering carp are said to be holy. Visit the elegant Halil-ur Rahman Mosque, then lose yourself in the vibrant maze of the Urfa Bazaar, alive with colors, scents, and echoes of ancient trade.
Overnight in Urfa
Day 6 Thrones of the Gods
Ascend the mystical Mount Nemrut, where colossal stone heads of Antiochus I and gods greet the rising or setting sun. The silence of the mountain amplifies the majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore Arsameia, the summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom, cross the ancient Cendere Bridge, and stop at the Karakuş Tumulus, a royal tomb guarded by stone eagles.
Overnight in Adıyaman
Day 7 City of Flavors & Ancient Art
Your journey concludes in Gaziantep, where history and gastronomy meet. Visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to dazzling Roman mosaics like the famous Gypsy Girl. Stand atop Gaziantep Castle, a fortress that has watched over the city for centuries.
In the Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Copper Bazaar), hear the music of hammer and metal as artisans craft their wares. Finally, indulge in a feast of Antep cuisine—succulent kebabs, buttery baklava, and the crisp, pistachio-filled katmer. A fitting farewell to Mesopotamia.
According to your flight, overnight in Gaziantep or Departure
