The historic post office building in Mardin

The historic post office building in Mardin, which ranks seventh in beauty among the world’s post offices, bears the mark of the Armenian architect Sargis Lole. The building was constructed in 1890 by the Shahtana family, who used it for 60 years, and since 1950 it has served as a post office. With its rich stonework, it stands opposite the Shahidiya Mosque.

Today the building is used by the Turkish postal service, while most of it belongs to Mardin Artuklu University as a place of practical training for future hotel staff.

The photograph shows the courtyard surrounded by arched galleries, with a stone staircase and stone balustrades in the centre. Behind, on the hillside, are the old buildings of the town.