Dara Ancient City – Artuklu, Mardin
Dara (Anastasiopolis) is a massive garrison city founded in 505 AD by Emperor Anastasius I to protect the Eastern Roman Empire's eastern border against the Sassanids. It is also referred to as the "Ephesus of Mesopotamia."
It is fascinating with its rock-cut structures, water cisterns, and necropolis area.
Highlights:
- Necropolis: Multi-story rock-cut tombs and reliefs symbolizing the belief in "Resurrection."
- Cisterns: Massive underground cisterns (Dungeon Cistern) supplying water to the city.
- Dam and Water Channels: Advanced engineering water systems of the period.
- Walls: 4 km long walls surrounding the city.
Sources
- Wikipedia – Dara (Mesopotamia)
- Vikipedi – Dara (antik kent)
- Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism