As temperatures in the historic southeastern Turkish city of Mardin climb above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), residents and visitors are turning to a centuries-old tradition for relief: sleeping on rooftop beds under the stars.
Mardin, known for its historic stone architecture and rich cultural heritage, has long embraced the practice during the hot summer months. Residents set up wooden platforms, known locally as “taht,” about 1 meter (3 feet) above the roof, where they gather in the evening to eat, drink tea or coffee and socialize.
Residents gather on a traditional rooftop platform to drink tea and socialize, Mardin, southeastern Türkiye, Aug. 4, 2026. (AA Photo)
As night falls and temperatures drop, mattresses are laid out on the platforms, allowing people to sleep outdoors in the cool night air.
The tradition is now making its way into some of Mardin’s hotels, which have begun offering guests the chance to experience rooftop dining and relaxation on traditional wooden platforms, often accompanied by panoramic views of the city.
