Mardin
The stunning city in south-east Turkey offers a wonderous look into traditional architecture and the coming together of Muslim and Christian places of worship. All around the city mosques and churches are a common sight. Often compared to an open-air museum the beautiful buildings on the hillside offer an amazing time walking the narrow streets.
History
As with many of the cities of the region, Mardin is thought to have begun in the Bronze Age as part of the Hurrian kingdom. Following this the city and region were absorbed into the Assyrian Empire, remaining in until 605 BC where control was taken by the Achaemenid Empire. This was short-lived as it was considered to be important to Assyria bring it back to the Empire and surviving into the Assyrian Christian period. The city remained Assyrian apart from a short period of Roman control until it was taken by the Seljuks.
During its time under Seljuk rule there as relative peace with battle regarding the Mongols as they invaded the Anatolian region, after becoming vassals for the Mongols they were considered important allies and left in peace. The region back came popular for religious observances, with places such as the Saffron Monastery being popular.
Once the Ottoman Empire to control of the region the city remained tranquil allowing for prosperity to grow and allowing for a place of religion and people to live together. The peace was upset during World War I when it was greatly affected by the Armenian Genocide. Since that time the city has prospered together with an Assyrian Syriac Orthodox female now as co-mayor.