The Cultural Cocktail that is Mardin

Kurdish legend tells of a mythical sapient Shahmaran.
Kurdish legend tells of a mythical sapient Shahmaran.
Dusk over Mardin as denizens return home to light up their abodes.
Dusk over Mardin as denizens return home to light up their abodes.
Splendid Mardin by day, glowing in the sun.
Splendid Mardin by day, glowing in the sun.
Turkish boy playing in front of a Syrian Church door.
Turkish boy playing in front of a Syrian Church door.
Towering minaret pierces into the skies of Mardin.
Towering minaret pierces into the skies of Mardin.
School children of Mardin at play stop to pose.
School children of Mardin at play stop to pose.

Night falls early and streets  are deserted.
Night falls early and streets are deserted.

Went around town for breakfast and photography. Some university students saw us and came by for a friendly chat, then upon leaving, they bought us Kurdish coffee. A group of young photography students came by and delighted everyone one with smiles and mutual photo-sessions. Children atop the hill played war with me.

Later, while walking in the afternoon alone, children all over greeted me, asking for photos to be taken. One offered sweets and sunflower seeds. An old later saw me toting the camera and invited me into her home to the roof-top terrace for a better view of the city. Everyone seemed so welcoming. People literally stop and say “welcome”. This place is magical for its warmth to visitors.