Far City Brings New Attention to Midyat’s Ezidi Heritage
The popularity of the Turkish series Far City has brought a new wave of tourism to Midyat, the historic district of Mardin. Visitors are coming to see the stone mansions, narrow streets and filming locations shown in the series.
But Midyat is more than a beautiful filming location. It is also part of a wider historical landscape shaped by different peoples, including Ezidis. For the Ezidi people, whose ancient religion is Sharfadin, this region carries deep cultural memory and historical meaning.
As tourists explore Midyat’s old houses, local crafts and traditional markets, there is an opportunity to tell a fuller story — one that does not only focus on architecture and television fame, but also recognizes the Ezidi presence in the region.
The success of Far City can help bring attention to Midyat’s cultural richness. It should also remind visitors that behind the beauty of the town stands a layered history, including the heritage of the Ezidi people.
