Mardin Welcomes 4 Million Visitors, Setting a New Tourism Record

Mardin in Southern Turkey Sets Tourism Record with 4 Million Visitors

The historic city of Mardin, located in southeastern Turkey, has set a new tourism record by welcoming around 4 million visitors over the past year and generating more than 1 million overnight stays, significantly exceeding initial targets and strengthening its position as one of Turkey’s most distinctive cultural destinations.

Exceeding Ambitious Targets Ahead of Schedule

This achievement was announced by representatives of the local tourism sector. According to Özgür Azad Gürgör, head of a regional tourism association, the city's success was both rapid and substantial.

"The original target of 1 million overnight stays for 2025 was surpassed ahead of schedule," stated Gürgör, highlighting the sector's robust growth.

Demand peaked significantly during the holiday season, with hotel occupancy reaching near-full capacity in late December and over the New Year period.

The Drivers of Mardin's Tourism Boom

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Mesopotamian plains, Mardin's appeal is deeply rooted in its unique character. The city is renowned for:

• Well-preserved ancient stone architecture and narrow, winding streets.
• Centuries-old landmarks, including mosques, churches, and monasteries that reflect a rich multicultural heritage.

This timeless atmosphere is a key driver of its growing international appeal. Comparing year-on-year data reveals impressive growth:

Growth Snapshot: The city recorded approximately 3 million visits and 950,000 overnight stays in 2024. The 2025 figures represent significant positive momentum.

According to industry analysis, this strong growth is attributed to improved security conditions, more active destination marketing, and the global exposure generated by popular TV series filmed in Mardin's iconic landscapes.

Sustainable Growth and Future Outlook

A notable achievement for a regional destination is that tourism activity in Mardin is now spread evenly across all 12 months of the year, indicating sustainable, year-round appeal beyond seasonal peaks.

The city's infrastructure has expanded to support this demand:

• Over 60 high-quality hotels and restored historic mansions are currently in operation.
• Total accommodation capacity stands at around 22,000 beds, with new investment projects underway to expand further.

Looking ahead, the local tourism industry is focused on maintaining this historic momentum. The target for 2026 is to increase overnight stays to approximately 1.5 million.

This growth is already delivering tangible economic benefits to local businesses and boosting investor confidence in the Mardin region's future.