Türkiye's Anıtlı village captivates visitors with its preserved authenticity
Located about 30 kilometers from the Midyat district, Türkiye, the historic village of Anıtlı—whose status changed from village to neighborhood after the Metropolitan Law came into effect in 2012—continues to captivate visitors with its preserved authenticity and historical structures.
Known in the past as “Hah,” Anıtlı hosts the ruins of the Mor Sobo Cathedral, which served as a metropolitan center for nine centuries after Mor Gabriel Monastery, as well as the Virgin Mary Church, built atop a 2,000-year-old monument. These sites mesmerize all who visit, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.
Possessing strong potential for faith tourism, Anıtlı was included in the “Best Tourism Villages 2025” list by the UN World Tourism Organization, earning a spot among 52 villages from 29 countries.
This title is expected to further boost tourism in the region.
“Midyat is now a shining star not only in Türkiye but in the world”
Midyat Mayor Veysi Şahin told Anadolu Agency that Anıtlı, located in the Tur Abdin region, is among the most important centers for the Syriac community.
Şahin recalled that, under a protocol signed with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2022, the municipality began restoration work, which continued until 2023, when they completed the necessary preparations and submitted the application.
He stated that Anıtlı was included in the UNWTO “Best Tourism Villages” list this year and that they received the award on October 17 in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, as one of four villages selected from Türkiye.
Şahin emphasized that Midyat is experiencing significant tourism growth and that international recognition will increase even further:
“We believe the number of tourists coming here will increase significantly. Visitors from all over the world first want to see Anıtlı. We have carried out excellent projects, both in infrastructure and restoration, and are close to completing them. We are hopeful. Next season, we believe Midyat will exceed the 3.5 million tourists we welcomed in just nine months. Anıtlı is now a village known not only in Mardin but around the world. Besides domestic tourists, it attracts many foreign visitors. Midyat is no longer just a well-known district in Türkiye; it is a shining star globally. We welcome everyone to Midyat.”
“These precious assets are worth seeing”
Anıtlı neighborhood headman Habip Doğan said that being selected as a best tourism village has made Anıtlı a focal point of attention.
He noted that while the village has always had visitors, the number has risen significantly since receiving the award and will continue to grow:
“We thank everyone who contributed to this achievement. Our village, which has preserved its natural character, has many historical and cultural assets dating back centuries. Visitors will leave pleased after seeing the Virgin Mary Church, the Mor Sobo Cathedral ruins, and our stone houses. These are valuable assets worth seeing. This award is well deserved. I believe the number of tourists will continue to increase each day.”
“Next year, Anıtlı will be the rising star of tourism”
Tourism agency representative Zeynettin Mağat stated that Midyat has been receiving great interest in recent years.
He said that Anıtlı has become one of the top destinations visitors want to see:
“The historic village of Anıtlı has been included among the best tourism villages in the world. As tourism professionals, we are very happy about this. Midyat already attracts intense interest, and with Anıtlı, we believe that interest will increase even more, especially among foreign visitors. We are receiving heavy reservations. Next year, Anıtlı will be the rising star of tourism.”
Zeynep Sain, an employee at the most-visited Midyat State Guesthouse, said they experience heavy crowds in the summer and that despite being winter, the intensity continues:
“The inclusion of the historic Anıtlı village among the world’s best tourism villages will further increase tourism in Midyat, a city of languages and religions. Despite winter, there is great activity, and I believe this will grow even further. Our district, already a shining star of Türkiye, will now become a shining star of the world.”
Visitor impressions
Renas Çiçek, who visited Anıtlı with his family, said they toured the historic structures and were particularly impressed by the Virgin Mary Church:
“We loved it. We came from far away just to see this place. We highly recommend it.”
Ishak Altın, visiting from Istanbul with a group of friends, said they were eager to see Anıtlı for the first time:
“Anıtlı is truly magnificent. I loved it. I believe it should have made this list earlier. After visiting, I was amazed—absolutely stunning.”
"En İyi Turizm Köyleri" listesine giren tarihi Anıtlı, Mardin'in turizmine ivme kazandıracak
Eski adı “Hah” olan Anıtlı; Mor Sobo Katedrali kalıntıları ve 2 bin yıllık anıt üzerine kurulu Meryem Ana Kilisesi ile dikkat çekiyor
Köy statüsünden mahalleye dönüşen… pic.twitter.com/IVanjV7zbC
