Dara

Dara was built up by the emperor Anastasius at the start of the sixth century as a frontier fortress city on the eastern edge of the Byzantine world, and it was substantial - walls, a garrison, and above all waterworks, because a city on this plain needed to store what it could get. The remains are dominated by those: an enormous rock-cut cistern with piers and arches supporting a roof over a hall that has been called a water palace, a second large reservoir, dams and channels cut into the rock. Alongside is the necropolis, a quarry face turned into a burial ground with rock-cut tombs, chambers and a relief interpreted as a resurrection scene, and a gallery of stacked burials. The modern village of Oğuz sits over and among the ruins, with houses built against ancient walls and gardens in old courtyards. Excavation continues and new areas open regularly. It is on Turkey's UNESCO tentative list and half an hour from Mardin.

What to look for

• The great cistern - the pillared underground water hall.
• The rock necropolis - tombs cut into the old quarry face.
• The resurrection relief - the carved panel in the burial area.
• The living village - houses built among the ruins.

When to go

April to May and October to November; the plain is extremely hot in summer with no shade. Mornings are best.

Practical notes

The site is spread through an inhabited village with limited signage. Cisterns are dark and steps are uneven. Excavation fences off areas. A car or taxi is needed from Mardin.

Nearby

Mardin and Deyrulzafaran are 30 km north; Midyat and Mor Gabriel are east.