Midyat is supposed to be one the most ‘architecturally pure’ towns in Turkey. It is around 45km from Mardin, and also comprises an old town on a hill built of honey-coloured stone with much rich carving, with a new town in the valley below.

Here you can see girls playing that internationally renowned game – hop scotch.

As far as the purity of Midyat goes we think it is unfortunate that the streets in the old town have been block paved (as you can see in the photo) with dark red blocks making designs.

This may work well in Fethiye as a foil to modern apartment blocks, but it doesn’t work in Midyat’s medieval streets.

However, Midyat does boast one of the most amazing places to stay in Turkey.

The Governor’s Guesthouse, occupying the grand premises which were once the residence of the head of the local Protestant church, is now operated as a basic hotel.

The building is on top of the hill and the room at the top of the building gives you views across the entirety of old Midyat. It is 75TL per night (we asked) and comes with its own twee balcony.

We much preferred Mardin for all sorts of reasons that are clear in articles written about the place.

Midyat felt more like a museum town, Mardin is dynamic.

However, do go and poke around Midyat as we did – it’s around one hour on the dolmuş from Mardin.

From Midyat the contentious area around Hasan Keyf is an easy journey – but we ran out of time so that one will have to wait for another trip.

Meanwhile we leave you with another view of Midyat’s old streets.