Türkiye's Mardin province, an ancient Mesopotamian gem near the Syrian border, is pushing for deeper tourism and cultural ties with China, Governor Tuncay Akkoyun affirmed in a December 8, 2025, Xinhua interview.
Dismissing regional instability concerns, Akkoyun touted the city's safety, over 2,000 historical sites from monasteries and mosques to stone mansions and diverse cultural fabric as draws for global visitors. Projections show nearly 1 million overnight stays and 3 million arrivals in 2025, with tourism revenue eyeing a jump from $350 million in 2024 to over $1 billion via 30% annual growth.
Akkoyun highlighted recent Shanghai fair engagements and a productive Chinese ambassador visit, aiming to channel Istanbul and Cappadocia travelers southeastward. With 2026 marking 55 years of Türkiye-China diplomacy, he spotlighted Mardin's fusion cuisine rooted in local agriculture as a master plan centerpiece, inviting Chinese explorers to its unique hills and Syriac villages like Dereici and sites such as Deyrulzafaran Monastery.