THE REMARKS

The city walls are the most impressive attraction of the city, yet they are little known internationally. This long ring of walls is the second largest in the world, just after the Chinese Wall. Built in basalt rock, they measure 5.5 km long, 10 to 12 m high, and on average 3.5 m wide. The enclosure is 1700 m from east to west, and 1300 m from north to south. Among all the towers, the four main ones represent the cardinal points: Dag Kapı (north), Urfa Kapı (west), Mardin Kapı (south) and Tek Kapı (east).

The city was encircled with stone in 3000 BC by the Hurrites, the first walls were then restored and enlarged by the Romans and then the Byzantines between 330 and 370. The southwestern part of the walls dates from the Seljuk period. Finally, in the ^16th century, the Ottomans enlarged the fortifications.

To climb it, head to the Keçi Burcu tower, southwards next to the Mardin Gate (Mardin Kapısı). This tower is the oldest and largest of the 82 towers that dot the ramparts. Built in 367 during the Roman Empire, the tower today also serves as a public exhibition and reading place. The view of the Tigris River and the Mesopotamian plain is magnificent. However, be careful on the ramparts and keep your belongings safe. When the days are hot, take shelter inside. A café and a resting place have been set up there especially to welcome visitors.