We start the day refreshed with a delicious breakfast at our hotel. Our destination is Göbeklitepe, where human history was rewritten. At this temple complex, which is 7,000 years older than the Pyramids of Egypt, we examine the reliefs on the massive T-shaped pillars with our guide’s detailed explanation.

Next up is Karahantepe, the new star and greatest mystery of the “Stone Hills” project. With its human-faced pillars and 3D carvings, this place is just as shocking and impressive a discovery site as Göbeklitepe. Seeing it before the crowds arrive is a real privilege.

As the sun turns toward the afternoon, we head south toward Harran. Among the world’s rare cone-domed houses (Kümbet Houses) and the ruins of the first Islamic university, you’ll feel like you’re on a movie set.

In the evening, there is one essential part of the Urfa experience: Sıra Gecesi. In a historic mansion, we shake off our fatigue with joy, enjoying the music, the famous çiğköfte treat, and local delicacies.

Saying goodbye to Urfa, we set off for Mardin through the boundless steppes. Our first stop is the ancient city of Dara, known as the Ephesus of the East. The massive water cisterns, dungeons, and necropolis carved meters below ground showcase Rome’s power at the frontier.

Next, we visit the Mor Gabriel Monastery, the most important center of the ancient Syriac culture, which dates back 1,600 years. After feeling the history echoing in the monastery’s yellow stones, we turn our route to a very special stop: Mağaraköy (Yazidi Village – Kiwex). With its abandoned stone houses and silence, this village, which bears traces of the Yazidi faith, will be one of the most mystical and photogenic stops on the tour.

In the late afternoon, we find ourselves in the streets of Midyat, where stonework is crafted like lace. After visiting the Silver Market and the Guest House, famous for the TV series Sıla, we arrive in Mardin, which resembles a necklace illuminated by night lights, and settle into our hotel.

In the morning, we enjoy waking up to the boundless Mesopotamian plain. After breakfast, our first stop is the Kasımiye Medrese, whose architecture illustrates the cycle of life (birth-life-death). Watching the water flow in the pool, you will feel a sense of tranquility.

Afterwards, we sip saffron tea at Deyrulzafaran Monastery, built on the foundations of what was once the Sun Temple, and learn about Syriac history and culture up close.

And the finale of the tour… Old Mardin Streets. We pass under the abbaras (tunnel passages) and experience the freedom of getting lost in the labyrinthine streets. After some free time to shop for soap, almond candy, filigree silver, and local products, we crown the tour with a local lunch (Kaburga Dolması, İkbebet, etc. are recommended) overlooking the Mesopotamian landscape.

After four eventful days filled with new friendships and hundreds of photos, we are transferred to the airport and begin our journey back to Istanbul.