Nusaybin
Introduction
You will find Nusaybin situated within the Mardin Province of Turkey. This district serves as a cultural landscape where you can encounter a population primarily composed of Kurds from various tribal affiliations.
Before you go
Prepare to explore a location steeped in deep historical layers, situated at the foot of Mount Izla within the Tur Abdin hills. You will find that the landscape is shaped by the Jaghjagh river, which was known as Mygdonius in ancient times. The area carries a legacy spanning millennia, having been part of the Assyrian Empire before being renamed Antioch on the Mygdonius during the Hellenistic period.
As you navigate the history of the region, you will encounter traces of its past under the Roman and Sasanian Empires before it was conquered by the Rashidun Caliphate. You can also reflect on the religious heritage of the site, which includes the first cathedral constructed by Jacob of Nisibis, a figure known as the "Moses of Mesopotamia."
Getting there
You can reach Nusaybin by traveling via bus or by using a private car. While a railway line passes through the city, you cannot use it for travel as passenger services have been suspended since 2011.
If you are starting your journey in Mardin, you can find a dolmuş at the stop located outside the State Hospital. From this same location, a municipal bus departs daily to take you directly to the ancient city of Dara.
Getting around
Information regarding transportation and local transit within the area is not currently available.
Where to stay
You can find accommodations in the heart of the city to suit your preferences. Choose between staying at Kasr-ı Serçehan Hotel or Avesis Hotel & Restaurant.
Food & drink
You can enjoy a traditional picnic at Beyazsu, located along the valley of the same name. This area offers a striking contrast between the lush greenery of the valley bottom and the surrounding arid landscapes. You can dine in restaurants featuring seating areas built on stilts over the river.
What to see and do
Explore the historical layers of the region by visiting the Church of Saint Jacob of Nisibis, a 4th-century Syriac Orthodox church. You can also visit the Zeynel Abidin Mosque Complex, which dates back to the Zengid dynasty and features a mosque, a medrese, and the tombs of Zeynel Abidin and his sister Sitti Zeynep. For those seeking a more mysterious atmosphere, travel to the Girnavaz tell, where local stories claim that spending a night on this ancient mound can cure various maladies.
Venturing further into the surrounding landscape, you can explore the ruins of Dara, an impressive Byzantine fortress town built against the Persians. You might also visit the Monastery of St Augin, situated on a rugged mountainside; remember to dress modestly as the monks are sensitive about visitor attire. For local entertainment, the Mitanni Culture Centre hosts regular concerts and plays.
Three days in Nusaybin
Day one, you begin your journey in Nusaybin within the Mardin Province of Turkey. You can explore the local area and immerse yourself in the history of Mesopotamia as you settle into the region.
Day two, you travel toward Dara to see the remnants of the Roman and Sasanian Empires. You can also visit the site of Nisibis to experience the historical layers left by the Rashidun Caliphate and the Hellenistic period.
Day three, you explore the cultural heritage of Tur Abdin. You can visit the Syriac Orthodox Church of Saint Jacob or see sites associated with the Assyrian Empire and the influence of figures like Moses.