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Rising above the Mesopotamian plains with its golden stone houses and centuries of layered history, Mardin has become a favorite destination for both domestic and international filmmakers.
The city is increasingly serving as a natural open-air studio, attracting productions with its unique architecture and cultural richness.
A city built on milennia of history
Mardin’s heritage, stretching from the Assyrians to the Ottomans, offers a rich and unique cinematic landscape. Narrow stone streets, terraced houses, and panoramic views of the Mesopotamian plains create a natural set for filmmakers, allowing productions to capture historical authenticity without elaborate set construction.
Record number of filming applications in 2025
In 2025, nearly 70 filming applications were submitted for projects in Mardin. Nine of these came from international production companies, while the remainder included feature films, TV series, documentaries and commercial shoots.
The high level of interest underscores Mardin’s status as one of Türkiye’s most sought-after filming locations.
"Zerhun": A production rooted in local culture
Filmed in rural areas of Artuklu and Yesilli, the TV series “Zerhun” goes beyond using Mardin as a backdrop. The city’s cultural life, stone houses, and narrow streets are integrated into the story, giving the series an authentic sense of place. Some episodes have also been streamed on international digital platforms, promoting Mardin to a global audience.
"Damat Mektebi" highlights the city's stone architecture
The feature film “Damat Mektebi,” shot in the Serenli neighborhood of Savur, showcases Mardin’s stone texture and warm color palette. The historic streets provide natural lighting and a dramatic setting, enhancing the visual storytelling and emphasizing the city’s unique architectural charm.
Mardin's cultural texture and international attention
Mardin is not only a filming location but also a center for cultural promotion and international interest. Its stone houses, historic streets and panoramic vistas reach millions of viewers both domestically and abroad through the productions shot here.
This enhances the city’s significance in the film and TV industry and contributes to the preservation of its cultural heritage.
Film tourism supports the economy and heritage
Film crews generate direct economic benefits for Mardin through accommodation, transport, catering and technical services.
After filming, the sets attract tourists, which helps preserve historic structures and encourages restoration work, boosting both the local economy and cultural conservation.
Mardin as a living film studio
With golden light at sunset reflecting off its stone houses, views stretching across the Mesopotamian plains, and tightly clustered neighborhoods, Mardin offers filmmakers a natural, consistent and visually striking studio. Its cinematic character elevates production quality and provides audiences with a unique visual experience.
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