Mardin Artuklu University — Mardin

Mardin Artuklu University (Mardin Artuklu Üniversitesi) is a public university in the historic city of Mardin, in southeastern Turkey overlooking the Mesopotamian plain. Founded in 2007, the university has a strong Islamic and Middle Eastern cultural identity. Its name Artuklu derives from the Turkmen Artuqid (Banu Artuq) dynasty that historically ruled the Mardin region.

Why Arab students choose Mardin Artuklu: The university is uniquely positioned for Arab students:

• Adopts both Arabic and Turkish as official languages of instruction across many programs
• Supports an evening-education system for working students
• Has historically accepted large numbers of Arab students, particularly from Syria, Iraq, and Egypt
• Strong programs in Arabic language and literature

Distinctive language offerings: Mardin Artuklu is one of the very few Turkish universities to offer degrees in Syriac language and literature and Kurdish language and literature — reflecting the multicultural heritage of the Mardin region (historically home to Assyrian Christians, Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen).

Ranking: Mardin Artuklu holds approximately the 159th rank among Turkish public universities — a lower ranking that significantly understates its standing in Islamic, Middle Eastern, and language studies, where it competes strongly.

Structure: The university operates 14 faculties and 3 research centres.

Notable faculties and programs:

• Faculty of Letters — anthropology, philosophy, art history, Syriac language and literature, Turkish language and literature, sociology, history, Kurdish language and literature, Arabic language and literature
• Faculty of Sciences
• Faculty of Fine Arts — drawing
• Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences — management science, economics, political science and international relations
• Faculty of Islamic Sciences
• Faculty of Architecture
• Faculty of Health Sciences — midwifery, nursing
• Faculty of Tourism — accommodation management
• Theology Faculty

Admission: Mardin Artuklu accepts SAT, YÖS, and high-school diplomas with adequate GPA. Apply at obs.artuklu.edu.tr.

Tuition (international students): Approximately $400–1,200 per year for most undergraduate programs — among the more affordable Turkish public universities.

Scholarships: Türkiye Bursları (full government scholarship) is the main pathway for fully funded international study.

Living in Mardin: Mardin is one of Turkey's most picturesque historic cities, with sand-coloured Ottoman-era stone buildings spilling down a hillside above the Mesopotamian plain. The city has deep historical cultural ties with the Arab world, an established Arabic-speaking community, and dramatic regional cuisine. Cost of living is well below Istanbul — student rent typically $100–200/month. Climate is hot and dry in summer, mild in winter.

Recognition: Diplomas are accredited by Turkey's YÖK (Higher Education Council) and recognised across the Arab world. Mardin Artuklu is one of the most attractive Turkish public universities for Arabic-speaking students and for those interested in Islamic studies, Arabic language, Syriac language, or Middle Eastern history.

Verify the current Arabic-medium program list (not all faculties offer Arabic instruction) and admission paths directly with the university before applying.