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Russian travel agency owners and major tour operator representatives who visited southeastern Türkiye under a program organized by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) have expressed strong interest in promoting the region as a new cultural tourism destination in the Russian market.
The familiarization tour covered Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Mardin and Diyarbakir, with participants visiting a range of historical, cultural, and religious heritage sites across the region. The program aimed to showcase the area’s archaeological richness, diverse cultural legacy, and culinary traditions.
In Gaziantep and Sanliurfa, the delegation explored local cultural and gastronomic attractions. In Mardin, they visited Dara Ancient City, the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), and historic urban areas including Artuklu, Midyat, and Nusaybin.
The itinerary concluded in Diyarbakir, where the group toured Zerzevan Castle, the Grand Mosque, the Ickale Museum Complex and the Surp Giragos Armenian Church.
Tour participants noted that southeastern Türkiye offers a markedly different experience from the country’s established coastal destinations along the Aegean and Mediterranean. They emphasized the region’s appeal to cultural and heritage-focused travelers, particularly those interested in ancient civilizations and historical sites.
Russian representatives stated that the region is relatively unknown among Russian tourists but holds significant potential for cultural tourism development. Several participants indicated plans to design and promote tour packages targeting Mesopotamia’s historical corridor.
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