MARDIN, Türkiye, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- The southeastern Turkish province of Mardin is seeking closer cooperation with China in tourism and culture, its governor said, highlighting the region's security, heritage, and growing appeal to international visitors.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Mardin Governor Tuncay Akkoyun said the namesake provincial capital Mardin, located near the Syrian border, remains "a very safe city" and has not been affected by recent regional instability.
Akkoyun described Mardin as "an ancient city on the hills of Mesopotamia," renowned for its deep historical roots and cultural diversity. Visitors, he noted, can easily feel its distinctive stone architecture and centuries-old atmosphere. The city is home to more than 2,000 registered historical structures, including monasteries, churches, mosques, inns, and mansions that continue to serve residents and visitors.
Tourism is emerging as a major driver of Mardin's development. The province expects to welcome nearly 1 million overnight visitors this year, with total arrivals projected to reach about 3 million in 2025.
The governor also said that the province aims to increase annual tourism revenue from 350 million U.S. dollars in 2024 to more than 1 billion dollars, supported by projected annual growth of more than 30 percent in both visitor numbers and tourism income.
Akkoyun emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with China. Mardin officials attended an international fair in Shanghai in May, holding "very good meetings" with Chinese partners in agriculture, tourism, and industry. He also described the Chinese ambassador's recent visit to the province as "very productive."
"Our goal is to deepen relations between China and Türkiye, and between China and Mardin," he said, expressing hope that 2026, the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and China, will further boost tourism exchanges.
Akkoyun said he hopes Chinese travelers visiting Istanbul and the Cappadocia region will extend their journeys to Mardin. The province's cuisine, shaped by centuries of cultural interaction and supported by regional agriculture, will feature prominently in its upcoming tourism master plan.
Promising a unique experience, the governor invited Chinese tourists to discover it firsthand. "We sincerely welcome all Chinese visitors," he said. ■
