Deep Southeast Anatolia: A Comprehensive Self-Drive Loop from Diyarbakır.
This compact fly-drive (or rail-drive) itinerary is designed for travelers who want to dive deep into the rich, multicultural heritage of Upper Mesopotamia. Accessible by direct flights or the scenic Mesopotamian Express train, this loop connects the towering basalt walls of Diyarbakır with the golden stone architecture of Mardin and the sacred, ancient valleys of the Tur Abdin region.
Program Highlights & Why It is an Unmissable Journey.
- The Roman Empire’s Eastern Frontier: Travelers will step onto the active archaeological frontlines of the Roman-Sasanian wars, exploring the massive subterranean water cisterns of Dara Ancient City (the “Ephesus of the East”) and the dramatic mountain garrison of Zerzevan Castle, home to a mysterious underground temple dedicated to the secret Mithras cult.
- Living Christian Antiquity in Tur Abdin: The route ventures deep into the sacred limestone plateau of the Syriac Orthodox community. Travelers can wander through timeless stone-carved villages and visit working ancient sanctuaries like Mor Gabriel, the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world, and the 4th-century Church of Saint Jacob (Mor Yakup) in Nusaybin.
- Architectural Marvels & Golden Stone Cities: This journey offers a stunning visual transition between different architectural eras. Guests will explore the monumental, UNESCO-listed Roman basalt walls of Diyarbakır before wandering the labyrinthine, terraced alleys of Old Mardin and the magnificent, silver-filigree capital of Midyat, both famous for their sun-drenched, golden limestone mansions.
- The Oasis of Beyazsu: Cutting through the arid landscape toward the Mesopotamian plains, the program features a refreshing stop at Beyazsu. This striking natural canyon oasis features freezing mountain springs where travelers can relax on traditional platforms built directly over the rushing waters.
- A Tapestry of Multicultural Heritage: Rather than a standard holiday, this self-drive program functions as a deep cultural safari. It seamlessly bridges early Christian history, Roman military ingenuity, and Islamic architectural gems like the historic madrasas of Mardin and the ancient Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) of Diyarbakır.
Premium Car Rental Service
Vehicles are provided by a reputable, top-tier rental company with branches at all major airports across Turkey. This partnership guarantees modern, new-model vehicles that are fully insured with comprehensive coverage. Travelers benefit from 24/7 customer support throughout their journey. For maximum flexibility, different pickup and drop-off locations are permitted between any of the company’s airport offices. Supplemental insurance packages are also available for added peace of mind.
Daily Program
| Diyarbakır- Savur-Midyat. |
After arrival in Diyarbakır, start the trip with breakfast at the 450-year-old Hasan Paşa han. Walk through the covered bazaar where craftsmen work and visit Sülüklü Han, the four-legged minaret and the Great Mosque of Diyarbakır which is believed to be one of the oldest mosques in the history of Islam. The impressive city walls are over 9,000 years old, and were restored by Constantine II during the Roman rule in 349.The citadel has 16 towers and 4 gates. From the oldest parts of the walls: Mardin Kapısı (gate) and Keçı burcu (arch) we overlook the green Hevsel gardens and the Tigris river over which a 10 arches-stone-bridge from the eleventh century has been built. Then leave for Midyat. Stop at the bridge in Başkavak, built in 1755 and have lunch by the river in green and lush Savur. The village of Savur has beautifully decorated Arabic houses.
Night: Midyat. Boutique hotel Nehroz.
Distance: 172 km- 3 hrs.
| Midyat – Mağara köyü (Kiwex) – Mor Gabriel Monastery – TUR ABİN – Midyat |
Midyat is located in TUR ABİN, a high plateau with about 80 villages, a hundred churches and 80 monasteries and bordered by the river Tigris. The landscape is partly Mesopotamian, partly more Mediterranean, green and full of vineyards. Until the 1960s, it was the center of the Syriac Orthodox Christians (Süryani – Suyoye – Syriac), who still live in small numbers in about 20 villages. The other residents, with exception of a few remigrated Yazidis, are generally Kurdish. After breakfast visit to Mağara köyü, an almost abandoned Yezidi village, Mor Gabriel, the most famous and oldest existing monastery in the region and a Suyoye village; Anıtlı (Hah) or Gülgöze. Gülgöze (Aynverd-aynwarda) is built on a rock. The village houses a Byzantine church from the fifth century and a school class in the church tower.
Following lunch, explore the narrow streets and centre of Midyat, visit Gelüşke Han caravanserai, built in 1903 and Midyat Konuk evi. .
Overnight : Midyat . Boutique hotel Nehroz.
Distance: 143 km – 3 Hrs.
Dinner recommendation: Gelüşke Han
| TUR ABİN is Syriac or Aramaic for “the mountain of the servants of God” The churches and monasteries in the area are among the oldest in the world and this is clearly visible in the architectural style. Because they also had to defend themselves against persecution, they sometimes look more like a fortress than a church or are built in caves. The Monastery of Mor Gabriel (Deyrulumur Manastır), which has existed since 397, is the holy center of Syrian Orthodox Christians. They split from the other Christians in 451 after a dispute over the nature of Jesus, who according to the Syriac Christians has one divine nature.Their language is ancient Syriac (Aramaic) and from a stone found during excavations in Adana you can conclude that their history goes back to the Assyrians. |
| Yezidism.(Y)ezidism can best be described as a remnant of the pré-islamic beliefs of the Iranian peoples. There are clear Mazdaism/ Zoroastrianism elements in the worship of the Supreme Being Jezdan (Ezid), who is the creator of the world and peacock angel “Melek Taus”. The Supreme Being is accompanied by the sun and seven angels, the chief of which is Melek Taus. The sun is prayed for at sunrise and sunset. The Yezidis have written two holy books: the Kitabe Cilve (the book of inspiration) and Meshef Resh (the black book). Sacred texts are mainly distributed orally. |
| Midyat – Beyazsu – Nusaybin – Dara – Mardin. |
Today’s tour leads to Beyazsu, 80 km from Midyat and a pretty place for a picnic or hangout on the water. Nusaybin,ancient Nisibis is near the Syrian border. Following a visit to the Mar Yakov Church, a 4th century historic church in Nusaybin, continue to Dara to explore the ruins and amazing underground water system. Named after the Roman Emperor Anastasius, this Roman garrison town is carved out of rock and the remains are nothing short of impressive. In Dara, the first dam and irrigation canals in Mesopotamia were built. In Mardin visit to the beautiful medrese of Kasım Padişah, a local leader who reigned 1469 to 1503. The compound surrounds a courtyard with a monumental recess, built over a natural spring.
Overnight in Mardin. Gazi Konağı Butik hotel
Recommended restaurant: Bağdadi
Distance: 174 km – 3 hrs.
| Mardin- Zerzevan Castle -Diyarbakir. |
| The greatest joy of Mardin is exploring the unpredictable lanes of the old city. A large number of fortress-like houses, capable of accommodating an extended family of 40 or 50 around an interior court come in several clusters in the city. The Bazaar area is full of Oriental colours and noise. Not far from it is the Grand Mosque, an oasis of peace. Its tall brown minaret forms a signature of the city. After lunch drive to Diyarbakır and stop for a visit to Zerzevan castle. This fortress was strategically located on an ancient commercial and military route and was of great importance to the Romans during their expansion to the east. The discovery of a Mithraeum, a Mithras temple in the complex, sparked international interest because the belief in Mithras is a Persian religion and it is quite possible that the temple at Zerzevan is the first temple of the Mithras religion. Moreover, this temple is very well preserved and gives a lot of insight into this mysterious religion, which was brought to Rome with the Roman soldiers from the east. For example, four sacrificial pendants, the pool of bull’s blood and three functional niches can be seen. |
After visiting Zerzevan Castle, conclude the trip with an evening meal in Diyarbakır.
Distance: 129 km – 2hrs
- 3 days car, Opel Corsa, Dacia Sandero or same category.
- İncl . unlimited mileage.
- HGS Card, CDW insurance ,extra mini damage insurance
- 3 nights in boutique hotels / DBL room (BB)
- Midyat: Kasr I Nehroz hotel. ( 2 N)
- Mardin: Gazi Konağı Butik hotel. ( 1 N)
We are pleased to help you with extra nights at Diyarbakır or other places.
- Transport to Diyarbakır (flight bus, Train)
- Lunches,
- Dinners,
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- entry fees to Sites and museums.
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