400-year-old Syriac–Assyrian bazaar restored in Mrde (Mardin), Turkey

MRDE, Turkey — As part of an investment initiative by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the historic 400-year-old Syriac–Assyrian bazaar in Dargeçit, located in Mrde (Mardin), has been meticulously restored to its original form. The bazaar is now poised to become a vibrant center for both tourism and trade.

The restoration project involved the refurbishment of 65 shops, which will offer various handicrafts, and the renovation of 15 houses within the bazaar.

According to the Hurriyet Turkish newspaper, the bazaar had fallen into disrepair, previously serving as animal shelters and storage spaces for goods and haystacks due to the emigration of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community from Mrde over the past decade.

Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism, Ayhan Gök, noted that the bazaar is now equipped to support traditional crafts, contributing to the preservation of the region’s cultural identity. Gök also highlighted that the program included the enhancement of four streets, totaling about 600 meters in length, along with the completion of their lighting systems.