The ancient city of Dara

Dara, is an ancient city located in Mardin Province, which was founded by Emperor Anastasius as a military city in 505. His purpose was to protect the eastern border of the Eastern Roman Empire against the Sassanids. It is a settlement consisting of structures carved into the rocks. The city spread over a wide area and used to be protected by a 4-kilometer wall. The ruins of churches, palaces, bazaars, dungeons, armories, and water dams can still be seen today. Plus, cave houses that date back to the Late Roman Period can be seen around the village.