sabri şahin

Visiting Mardin and its surrounding region was a profound experience. This part of Turkey sits in the heart of ancient Upper Mesopotamia, the literal cradle of civilization. It is a foundational pillar of human history, with the roots of our shared faith running incredibly deep. Our itinerary was a breathtaking journey through time, showcasing the coexistence of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in this historic Mesopotamian landscape. As a Catholic, standing in the ancient halls of the Deyrulzafaran Monastery and the Mor Gabriel Monastery was deeply moving. These sacred sites breathe centuries of uninterrupted Christian devotion. We also explored the stunning Dara Ruins and visited the majestic Kasımiye Madrasah. Walking through the madrasah, it was mind-blowing to learn about the genius of Ismail al-Jazari, the brilliant 12th-century Muslim polymath celebrated as the "father of robotics". Beyond the history, our senses were treated to the local culture. A particular highlight was enjoying an absolutely delicious lunch right beside a peaceful, flowing river. None of this would have been the same without our exceptional guide, Sabri. He was incredibly kind, courteous, and diligent throughout the entire journey. Sabri's passion for Mesopotamia's history, combined with his attentive and professional nature, made our trip seamless and deeply meaningful. If you are planning a trip to this historic region, I cannot recommend Sabri highly enough.