About the place
I discovered the Syriac village of Dereici through "Lonely Planet." While leading a group in southeastern Turkey's Mardin region, I thought this off-the-beaten-path destination would intrigue visitors. The drive there revealed a stunning road winding through a lush green valley—an unexpected sight in the heart of Anatolia. It's fitting that the village's name, Dereici, translates to "Inner Valley."
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My first reaction was one of mild shock—massive stone houses, narrow cobblestone streets, two churches (one Syriac and one Catholic), and a ruined monastery stood before me. Most of the homes now serve as stables, including the old monastery. The sight of goats passing between the monastery's ruined walls became my most lasting impression of this place. The streets remain in relatively good condition, and the house facades hint at a prosperous past. In the 1960s, around 800 people lived here, mostly Syriac Christians. They formed a content community in this small Christian oasis in the middle of Anatolia.
Today, it stands nearly empty with only about ten inhabitants. Notably, this village once housed the region's only winery in Anatolia.
The Syriac people's history dates back to the first century. By the fourth century, they had established themselves in northern Mesopotamia—a region encompassing parts of modern-day southeastern Turkey, Syria, and Iraq.
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The two restored churches are heavily protected by barbed wire fencing, allowing visitors to see only their outer facades and towers. At Mor Gabrel monastery, our guide explained that these security measures were implemented due to frequent raids, particularly by Kurds, as there are ongoing tensions between the Kurdish and Syriac communities.
Practical information
There is no public transportation to Dereici. The best way to reach the village is to drive from Mardin to Savur and then take a taxi. If you have your own car, you can also stop in Savur to explore its old town on foot.
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Location
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