Historic Anıtlı Village Earns a Spot on the “Best Tourism Villages” List, Boosting Mardin’s Tourism Momentum

December 14, 2025 BTT

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A Global Recognition for a Timeless Settlement

Historic Anıtlı, a neighborhood of Midyat in Turkey’s Mardin province, has been included in the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s “Best Tourism Villages 2025” list. This prestigious recognition is expected to further strengthen the tourism momentum Mardin has been building in recent years, while shining an international spotlight on one of the region’s most authentic historical settlements.

Located around 30 kilometers from Midyat, Anıtlı was transformed from village status into a neighborhood following the Metropolitan Municipality Law that came into force in 2012. Despite this administrative change, the settlement has preserved its natural texture and historical identity, captivating visitors with its ancient architecture and unique atmosphere.

International Award and Growing Tourist Interest

Midyat Mayor Veysi Şahin stated that Anıtlı was among the four villages selected from Turkey for this year’s list by the UN World Tourism Organization. He noted that they received the award at a ceremony held on October 17 in Huzhou, a city in China’s Zhejiang province.

Emphasizing Midyat’s rising international profile, Şahin expressed strong optimism about the future. He underlined that tourist numbers are expected to increase significantly, as visitors from around the world are now eager to see Anıtlı firsthand. Ongoing and near-completion projects focusing on infrastructure, superstructure, and restoration are also set to enhance the visitor experience. According to Şahin, Midyat aims to exceed the 3.5 million tourists it hosted in nine months during the previous season, positioning the district as a shining star not only in Turkey but on the global tourism map.

A Center of Faith and History

Formerly known as “Hah,” Anıtlı is home to remarkable religious and historical landmarks. The ruins of the Mor Sobo Cathedral, which served as a metropolitan center for nine centuries after the Mor Gabriel Monastery, and the Church of the Virgin Mary built atop a 2,000-year-old monument, leave visitors in awe.

With its strong potential for faith tourism, Anıtlı stands out as a place where history, spirituality, and cultural heritage intersect. Its inclusion among 52 villages from 29 countries recognized by the UN World Tourism Organization is expected to further energize regional tourism and attract both domestic and international travelers in the coming years.