History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
The historical Şehidiye Mosque and Madrasa, built in 1214 by the Artuqid Sultan Melik Mansur Nasreddin Artuk Aslan, is one of the most iconic stone architectural masterpieces of the Mardin skyline. It has entered the world architectural literature with its two-naved mosque, barrel-vaulted madrasa rooms, and especially its sculptural twisted and segmented double balconied minaret, which was rebuilt by the Armenian Architect Lole in 1916. It is rumored that it took its name from the Artuklu scholars who were martyred in the courtyard of the mosque or the holy people in its grave. The spiral stone reliefs on its minaret resemble a spiritual staircase rising towards the sky. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located on the southern terrace of Old Mardin, at an altitude of approximately 1,015 meters above sea level. Its courtyard is a magnificent observation terrace overlooking the endless Mesopotamian Plain. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Worship and visit are completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to visitors 7 days a week, from the morning adhan until after the night prayer (between 05:00 - 22:30).•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: The mosque courtyard has a terrace floor and is flat except for the steps at the entrance; The courtyard can be accessed by wheelchair. Clothing appropriate to the etiquette of the place of worship is required.•Facilities and Facilities:There are historical madrasa rooms, a fountain, ablution facilities, men's and women's WCs and an observation courtyard with a view of the plain. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Şehidiye Mahallesi, 1. Cadde, No:143 (Opposite the Historical PTT Building), 47100 Artuklu/Mardin.•Road Condition and Vehicle Suitability: It is directly on the roadside on Old Mardin main street (1st Street).•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): All minibuses and public buses coming to Mardin city center stop directly in front of the Şehidiye Mosque.•Parking Availability:Municipal parking areas next to PTT and on 1st Street can be used. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: A two-rakat prayer should be performed in awe in this ancient temple, inherited from the Artuqids, and the Fatiha should be recited for the soul of Melik Nasreddin Artuk Aslan, the founder of the madrasah.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:The angle that combines the spiral minaret, the masterpiece of Architect Lole, with the vast yellow horizon of the Mesopotamian Plain is the most photogenic and fascinating frame of Mardin.•Light and Shooting Hours:As the yellow limestone stones of the minaret turn red during sunset, the blue shadows falling on the plain are breathtaking.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:After visiting the mosque, you should taste the famous Assyrian coffee with cardamom, murra, walnut sausage and almond sugar on 1st Street.