History and archaeology / Archaeological site
Dara Ancient City
Artuklu, Mardin
A garrison city on the Eastern Roman border with the Sasanians; an archaeological site in the village of Oğuz (Dara) with giant cisterns, a necropolis of rock tombs and wall remains.
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Its story
Dara was founded around 505 on the initiative of Emperor Anastasius as a garrison city to protect the eastern border of the Eastern Roman Empire against the Sasanians, and was besieged many times in the Roman-Persian wars of the 6th century. North of the roughly 4 km of walls surrounding the city, the citadel stands on a hill. In and around today's village you can see the remains of a church, a bazaar, rock spaces referred to as a dungeon, a water dam and a bridge. The giant cisterns beneath the city and the large necropolis with rock-cut burial chambers are the most impressive parts; cave houses dating to the Late Roman period also stand out. Excavated since 2008, the site is on the Mardin–Nusaybin road, about 30 km from the city.
Key facts
- Period
- 6th century (Eastern Roman)
- Admission
- Paid
- Getting there
- 30 km southeast of Mardin, Oğuz (Dara) neighborhood
- Visit duration
- 1.5–2 hours
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Day trip
Location
37.18141, 40.95362
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://mardin.ktb.gov.tr/TR-311680/dara-antik-kenti.html | https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dara_(antik_kent) | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dara_(Mesopotamia) | https://goturkiye.com/tr/mardin/gor | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/326589894