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Mardin Houses

Mardin is called as “the necklace of the night, and the stroll of the day” with houses planned tightly and appearing to be crowding around on each other. The houses in the residential area which was announced as an Urban Historical Site in 1979 were built not even covering each others shades. Such perfect harmony is definitely to be admired.

Traditional Mardin Houses (Geleneksel Mardin Evleri) use the yellow calcerous stone quarried extensively in the region, avoid using wood save for doors, window frames and mezzanines where it is necessary to use wood. The calcerous stone enables cool summers and warm winters in the interior of the houses. Vaulted and domed semi outdoor parts of the house protect the household from sunlight, and ensure a location to work, live and sleep during the hot season. Most of the people in Mardin use bed frames -namely “taht”, assmebled in their terraces to sleep. Abbara, passage ways in the streets and alleys are also of importance in Mardin’s Street planning.

Telkari – Silver Filigree Embroidery

Telkari, meaning Silver Filigree Embroidery, is the artisanal work of melting sterling silver into silver filigrees, then embroiding silver filigrees into jewelry. Silver is used for jewelry such as rings, ear rings, necklaces, wristbands, and souvenirs such as rosettes, pens, name badges, The history of the art of telkari goes to very early ages. Telkari has come to our day passing from masters to apprentices through generations as an artisanal work. Before your trip to Mardin is over, you can watch the masters in the bazaars making the silver filigree into arts. This is one of the nicest souvenirs you can bring back for your beloved ones.