Newsletters
Anitli, a centuries-old settlement in Türkiye’s southeastern province of Mardin, has been included in the U.N. World Tourism Organization’s “Best Tourism Villages 2025” list, strengthening the region’s fast-growing momentum in cultural and faith tourism.
Once known as “Hah,” the village—now a neighborhood of Midyat—continues to draw visitors with its preserved stone architecture and its deeply layered religious heritage.
Located around 30 kilometers from Midyat, Anitli shifted from village to neighborhood status following the 2012 metropolitan law, but managed to keep its natural character intact.
Visitors are especially drawn to the remains of the Mor Sobo Cathedral, which served as the metropolitan seat for nine centuries after Mor Gabriel Monastery, and the Meryem Ana Church, a striking structure built atop a 2,000-year-old monument.
By entering the UNWTO list, Anitli became one of 52 villages from 29 countries to receive the distinction this year. Local officials expect the recognition to further energize tourism across Mardin and the wider Tur Abdin region.
Midyat Mayor Veysi Sahin noted that Anitli is one of the most significant Syriac Christian centers in the Tur Abdin region and said they worked closely with Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism through a protocol established in 2022.
The municipality completed required restoration and infrastructure projects before submitting its application and on Oct. 17 received the award at a ceremony held in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, China.
Sahin explained that Midyat is already experiencing a strong upward trend in tourism and expects visitor numbers to rise sharply. He added that “Midyat is now a shining star not only in Türkiye but around the world,” saying travelers from many countries now place Anitli high on their list of must-see sites.
Anitli’s neighborhood head, Habip Dogan, said the award has turned the area into a focal point. The village already welcomed steady visitors, yet the number has risen significantly since the announcement.
Dogan emphasized that Anitli’s preserved authenticity, stone houses, the Meryem Ana Church, and the Mor Sobo Cathedral ruins make the village “a place worth seeing.”
Tour operator representative Zeynettin Magat underlined that interest in Midyat has grown rapidly, and Anitli is now among the first places visitors ask to see.
Magat said they expect a notable increase in foreign travelers in the coming season, adding that “Anitli will be one of the brightest tourism destinations next year.”
At Midyat State Guesthouse, which receives some of the district’s highest visitor numbers, staff member Zeynep Sain noted that the award is already boosting activity. Even in winter, she said, the district remains unusually busy, and she believes the momentum “will continue to grow.”
Travelers arriving from different parts of Türkiye shared their impressions after touring the historic settlement. Renas Cicek, who visited with his family, said they were particularly moved by the Meryem Ana Church, calling the experience highly memorable.
Ishak Altin, visiting from Istanbul, said Anitli exceeded expectations and added that “it truly deserves its place on the list—simply magnificent.”
3 min read
