Evaluation of the role of civil and religious architectural structures in Mardin, Midyat district in becoming a cultural destination of the region

Midyat district, the focus of this study, is situated within the Tigris Basin of the Southeastern Anatolia Region. Midyat, officially part of Mardin Province, is located 68 kilometers from the city center. Midyat exemplifies a unique instance of civilizational reconciliation, where individuals of all ethnic backgrounds coexist, communicating in various languages and practicing distinct faiths together. It is a communal center where individuals of many ethnic and religious backgrounds coexist. It mostly retains its original characteristics, with a historical texture that includes houses of worship for all religions. In addition to cultural variety, the urban texture illustrates Midyat's socio-economic framework. The Tur Abdin plateau, a limestone massif situated in Northern Mesopotamia, is flanked by the Tigris River to the east and north. The territory, referred to as Kasieri and Masius throughout different eras, was designated Tur Abdin in the sixth century. In the Early Christian era, the area was shaped by the religious architectural traditions of neighboring towns, including Diyarbakır (Amida), Şanlıurfa (Edessa), Dara (Anastasiopolis) and Nusaybin (Nisibis). The first Christian edifices emerged in these places throughout the third and fourth century. The oldest structures in the Tur Abdin area are dated to the late fifth century and early sixth century. As Christianity proliferated, the Tur Abdin area became as a significant hub for the faith, with several monasteries and churches. Consequently, the Tur Abdin area is regarded as the "Mount Athos of the East" concerning both its geography and sanctity. This study aiM.S. to assess the contributions of civil and religious architectural structures in the Midyat district of Mardin to the region's status as a cultural destination, specifically focusing on their impact on local tourism.