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  • MAU Hıstory

MAU Hıstory

Established on May 17, 2007, by Law No. 5662, Mardin Artuklu University is located in a region with a 4,000-year history, aiming to contribute to the social and cultural environment of Mardin and its surroundings, which embrace diverse languages, religions, and cultures. The university seeks to serve as a bridge between universities in Turkey and those in the Middle East.

Situated in the fertile lands of the Crescent, Mardin is a city enriched by the entire civilizational heritage of the Middle East, where different colors and voices find their place, distinguished by its ancient culture. Historically known for its scientific and cultural roles, Nusaybin, referred to as Ümmü’l-Ulum (Mother of Sciences) and Medînetü’l-Maârif (City of Knowledge), was home to the first Christian-Syriac academy founded by Mor Yakup of Nusaybin.

The Mor Yakup Monastery in Nusaybin, one of the world’s first universities, provided education in fields such as philosophy, logic, literature, geometry, astronomy, medicine, and law. The scholarly and spiritual legacy of the Nisibis Academy, Deyrulzafaran, Kasımiye, Zinciriye, and other major madrasas has been revived at Mardin Artuklu University.

With numerous mosques, churches, and monasteries, the city has unraveled the threads of knowledge in its sacred spaces, weaving a mantle of wisdom that it has begun to bestow upon this city.

As the intellectual hub of this ancient city, Mardin Artuklu University continues its historical mission, fostering scholars and elevating the city against all odds, as it did in its storied past.

With the establishment law of 2007, the university founded the Faculty of Science and Letters, Faculty of Fine Arts, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, State Conservatory, Institute of Social Sciences, Institute of Natural Sciences, School of Health, Vocational School of Health Services, Vocational School, and Midyat Vocational School.

On February 5, 2010, the Faculty of Science and Letters was divided into the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Letters.

Additional academic units were established, including the Institute of Living Languages in Turkey on December 10, 2009; the School of Tourism and Hotel Management and the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences on February 1, 2010; Kızıltepe Vocational School on July 29, 2010; the Faculty of Theology and Nusaybin Vocational School in 2011; the School of Physical Education and Sports (BESYO) on August 27, 2015; the School of Foreign Languages on April 8, 2016; Savur Vocational School on June 22, 2017; and Derik Vocational School on January 11, 2018.

The School of Tourism and Hotel Management was transformed into the Faculty of Tourism on June 14, 2018. The School of Health was converted into the Faculty of Health Sciences on April 18, 2019. Kızıltepe Vocational School was closed on December 26, 2024.

The Organized Industrial Zone Vocational School was established by the decision of the Higher Education Executive Board on December 26, 2024. The departments of Electricity and Energy, Electronics and Automation, and Machinery and Metal Technologies, previously under the Vocational School, were transferred to this new school, and the Organized Industrial Zone Vocational School commenced its educational activities.

The School of Physical Education and Sports was transformed into the Faculty of Sports Sciences by Presidential Decree No. 9818, published in the Official Gazette No. 32902 on May 16, 2025, dated May 15, 2025.

The Graduate Education Institute was established under the Rectorate by Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette No. 31058 on March 4, 2020. The institute incorporated the existing departments of the Institute of Social Sciences and the Institute of Natural Sciences, which had been admitting students since the 2010-2011 academic year, and continues its educational activities, including master’s and doctoral programs, at the campus.

The Midyat Faculty of Design and Art was established by Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette No. 31058 on March 28, 2020.

The Faculty of Medicine was established by Presidential Decree No. 3940, published in the Official Gazette No. 31471 on May 1, 2021, dated April 30, 2021. As part of this, Mardin State Hospital was transformed into Mardin Training and Research Hospital and began operating in affiliation with the Faculty of Medicine. Starting from their fourth year, medical students undertake practical internship training at the Training and Research Hospital.

The Kızıltepe Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies was established by Presidential Decree No. 5252, published in the Official Gazette No. 31768 on March 4, 2022, dated March 3, 2022.

The Technology Transfer Office Joint Stock Company was established by the decision published in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette, Issue No. 10972, on December 5, 2023. To enhance Mardin’s R&D potential, Mardin Artuklu University, pursuant to Senate Decision No. 06 taken at its 28th meeting on December 9, 2021, expanded its “Social Sciences + 5T Vision” (5T: Medicine, Tourism, Design, Agriculture, Trade) by establishing the Technology Transfer Office, adding another “T” and adopting a strategy focused on social sciences with a 6T vision.

Mardin Artuklu University has defined five core policies—quality, internationalization, education, research and development, and societal contribution—and conducts its activities in line with these policies.

Mardin Artuklu University provides educational opportunities to a total of 18,783 students across its campuses, including the Mardin Artuklu Campus located 5 km from the city center, the İstasyon Campus 10 km away, the Organized Industrial Zone Vocational School in Mardin’s İstasyon district, and vocational schools in six districts of Mardin.

Mardin, one of Turkey’s most economically, culturally, and socially developed cities, is a peaceful and tolerant city with a mosaic cultural structure that has hosted numerous civilizations. It stands out as an ideal city for students due to its potential.

The proximity of all university campuses to the city center and the availability of frequent public transportation to all campuses provide significant convenience for students.

About Mardin Artuklu University

Located in Mardin, one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia, Mardin Artuklu University is among Turkey’s young and developing universities. As of today, Mardin Artuklu University conducts its education, research, and application activities through 12 faculties, 1 school, 8 vocational schools, 2 institutes, 1 state conservatory, 18 research and application centers, and 26 coordinator offices. Preparing nearly 19,000 students for the future, Mardin Artuklu University stands out with its dynamic academic staff and rapid development.

Holding the distinction of housing the Institute of Living Languages in Turkey, Mardin Artuklu University is committed to advancing as a language-focused thematic university by establishing new faculties and departments offering education in various languages.

Mardin Artuklu University is undergoing a profound transformation from a boutique social sciences university to an innovative city university. With its “Social Sciences + 6T” vision (Medicine, Agriculture, Tourism, Design, Trade, Technology), it aims to increase its scientific output while contributing to regional development.

Leading these initiatives is the goal of becoming Turkey’s first and only Specialized University in Cultural Tourism by focusing on a more specific field.

In 2025, the university established the MAU Advisory Board by a Senate decision. The Advisory Board is a consultative body formed with the participation of public institutions, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, alumni, and other external stakeholders to contribute to the university’s academic, administrative, and strategic development. The board, leveraging its experience and expertise, aims to provide advisory opinions and recommendations to enhance the quality of education, strengthen research and societal contribution activities, and foster university-industry-society collaborations through its knowledge, experience, and sectoral perspectives.

The university maintains the highest quality standards without compromising its academic originality, freedom, and identity. In this context, it meticulously manages its accreditation processes as part of its quality assurance mechanisms. Alongside accreditation and quality processes, the university places great importance on internationalization and project activities. To this end, its International Relations Office and Project Offices actively carry out their operations.

The university has also completed its accredited processes in zero waste and environmental management , achieving a significant ranking in the UI GreenMetric global rankings.

In addition to providing academic experience, Mardin Artuklu University offers students opportunities to develop in social, cultural, and sports areas.

Social Facilities

Located in Mardin’s Artuklu district, the Central Campus of Mardin Artuklu University offers students not only academic opportunities but also a rich social and cultural environment. The campus provides facilities for students to engage in sports and arts, including football, basketball, and volleyball courts, a running track, a cultural center, an open-air theater stage, a 1,000-person central dining hall, a shopping area, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, a fitness center, a professional cycling track, and a well-equipped library operating 24/7. Additionally, a market, cafeterias, and canteens are available to meet students’ needs.

Students who wish to develop themselves socially have the opportunity to showcase their interests and talents through student clubs established in various fields, particularly sports and arts.

The annual Spring Festival adds vibrant color to campus life. With concerts, theater performances, festivals, conferences, and seminars, students both enjoy themselves and enrich their cultural experiences.

Mardin Artuklu University offers not only education but also an unforgettable campus experience through its social facilities.

Scholarship Opportunities

Each year, a certain number of students at Mardin Artuklu University receive scholarships from the Higher Education Credit and Dormitory Authority (Yurtlar Kurumu). Additionally, successful students identified by philanthropists and businesspeople in Mardin are provided with non-repayable scholarships.

Within the university’s budget constraints, meal vouchers are provided annually to students with financial difficulties. Students who receive meal vouchers benefit from convenient services through a card-based access system.

Supported by volunteer civilians and university staff, provides non-repayable scholarships to students in need.

Student Life

Mardin Artuklu University offers its students not only academic opportunities but also a vibrant social life. Students can make productive use of their free time and develop themselves by participating in university sports teams and showcasing their talents in various fields.

With 98 active student clubs, the university provides opportunities for students to pursue their hobbies and interests. The young and dynamic structure of Mardin Artuklu University continues to grow, with new clubs established each year, creating ever-expanding spaces for students to express themselves.

Mardin’s tolerant societal structure and low cost of living provide students with a peaceful, safe, and affordable university experience.

Being a student at Mardin Artuklu University means living amidst a rich cultural heritage while experiencing a youthful, dynamic, and opportunity-filled campus life.

Mardin Artuklu University
Campuses and Units Providing Academic Education

Rectorate Campus:
Faculty of Medicine (Medical students receive laboratory training at the Rectorate Building and theoretical education in the lecture halls of the Central Campus. Starting from their fourth year, medical students undertake internship training at the Mardin Training and Research Hospital, which operates in affiliation with the MAU Faculty of Medicine.)

Central Artuklu Campus:
• Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences  
• Faculty of Health Sciences  
• Faculty of Letters  
• Faculty of Fine Arts  
• Faculty of Theology  
• Faculty of Engineering and Architecture  
• Faculty of Tourism  
• Faculty of Sports Sciences  
• Faculty of Science  
• Graduate Education Institute  
• Institute of Living Languages in Turkey  
• School of Foreign Languages  
• Vocational School of Health Services  
• State Conservatory  
• Central Laboratory  
• Library  
• Central Dining Hall  

İstasyon Campus:
• Kızıltepe Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies  
• Vocational School  
• Organized Industrial Zone Vocational School (Located within the Organized Industrial Zone in the İstasyon District)  

Vocational Schools in Districts:
• İstasyon District of Artuklu (Organized Industrial Zone Vocational School, Vocational School)  
• Midyat District: Midyat Faculty of Art and Design, Midyat Vocational School  
• Ömerli District: Ömerli Vocational School  
• Savur District: Savur Vocational School  
• Derik District: Derik Vocational School  
• Nusaybin District: Neriman and Celal Özel Nusaybin Vocational School  

Units Affiliated with the Rectorate:
• Common Courses Department  

Research and Application Centers:
• Conflict Resolution and Coexistence Culture Research and Application Center  
• Child Education Research and Application Center  
• Migration Studies Research and Application Center  
• Women and Family Studies Research and Application Center  
• Career Research and Application Center  
• Jerusalem and Palestine Studies Research and Application Center  
• Mardin Studies Research and Application Center  
• Central Research Laboratory Research and Application Center  
• Architectural Project Production Research and Application Center  
• Psychology Research and Application Center  
• Health Research and Application Center  
• Continuing Education Research and Application Center  
• Seed Biology and Genetics Research and Application Center  
• Tourism Education Research and Application Center  
• TÜRKPATENT Information and Documentation Unit  
• Turkish and Foreign Language Teaching Research and Application Center (TÖMER)  
• Distance Education Research and Application Center

Coordinator Offices
• Corporate Communication Coordinator Office  
• Academic Development Coordinator Office  
• Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit  
• Information Systems and Technologies Coordination Office  
• Bologna Coordination Office  
• Double Major and Minor Coordinator Office  
• Mevlana Exchange Program Coordinator Office  
• Erasmus Exchange Program Coordinator Office  
• Disabled Student Unit Coordinator Office  
• Human, Society, and Civilization Course Coordinator Office  
• Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator Office  
• Quality and Accreditation Coordinator Office  
• Public, Private, and Mixed Sector Collaboration Coordinator Office  
• Vocational Schools Coordinator Office  
• Project Coordination Unit  
• Zero Waste and Environmental Management Coordinator Office  
• International Academics Coordinator Office  
• International Relations Coordinator Office  
• International Student Coordinator Office  
• Common Compulsory Courses Coordinator Office  
• Provincial Exam Coordinator Office    

•Research Coordinator Office   

• Artificial Intelligence and Information Systems Coordinator Office  
• Societal Contribution Coordinator Office  
• Scientific Publications Coordinator Office

T.C. Mardin Artuklu University Rectorate