Diyarbakır, Turkey

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Diyarbakır, Turkey

Region: Diyarbakır

---

Geographic Coordinates: 37.910000, 40.240000

Climate: Seasonal climate and weather patterns in Diyarbakır, Turkey are characterized by hot and dry summers with temperatures ranging from 30-40°C, and cold winters with occasional snowfall and temperatures dropping to as low as -10°C. Spring and autumn are mild with moderate rainfall.

Population: 1732396

Language: Turkish

---

Diyarbakır is the largest city in southeastern Turkey and has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Its strategic location on the banks of the Tigris River has made it an important center for trade and commerce throughout history. One of Diyarbakır’s most notable features is its impressive fortified walls, Which were built during the Roman era and have been maintained over time. The walls are nearly 6 kilometers long and feature 82 towers, Making them one of the most well-preserved examples of ancient fortification in Turkey.

The city also boasts numerous historical sites that reflect its diverse cultural heritage. One such site is the Hasankeyf Citadel, Which dates back to at least 1100 BCE. This impressive structure sits atop a towering rock formation overlooking the Tigris River, Providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to its historical sites, Diyarbakır is also known for its vibrant bazaars and markets. The city’s bustling streets are lined with shops selling everything from traditional textiles to handmade pottery, Making it an ideal destination for shoppers looking for unique souvenirs. Cuisine is another highlight of Diyarbakır’s culture.

The local cuisine features a wide range of dishes that reflect both Turkish and Kurdish influences. Some popular dishes include kebabs cooked over charcoal fires, Stuffed grape leaves (dolma), And savory pies (pide). Despite being located in a region that has experienced political turmoil over recent decades due to conflicts between Turkish security forces and Kurdish separatists groups like PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), Diyarbakir remains one of Turkey’s most culturally rich cities with plenty to offer visitors seeking a glimpse into Southeastern Anatolia’s unique culture.

Overall, Diyarbakir offers visitors an opportunity to experience Turkey beyond Istanbul or other tourist hotspots while immersing themselves in authentic Turkish-Kurdish culture. From its ancient walls and historical sites to its bustling bazaars and delicious cuisine, Diyarbakir is a fascinating destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

---

---

1. Diyarbakır City Walls: The ancient walls of Diyarbakır are the most iconic landmarks of the city and have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Hasankeyf: This ancient city is located on the banks of the Tigris River and is home to numerous historical sites, including caves, tombs, and mosques.
3. Ulu Camii: The Great Mosque of Diyarbakır is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and dates back to the 11th century.
4. Nebi Mosque: This mosque is believed to be one of the oldest in Turkey and was built during the reign of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab in 639 AD.
5. Ataturk Museum: The museum showcases artifacts related to Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who visited Diyarbakir several times during his life.
6. Cahit Sitki Taranci House Cultural Museum: A museum dedicated to poet Cahit Sitki Taranci who was born in Diyarbakir in 1910
7. Dicle Bridge (On Gözlü Köprü): One of Turkey’s oldest bridges spanning over Tigris river
8. Deliller Hanı (Evidences Inn): A restored historic caravanserai that now houses restaurants, cafes, shops and art galleries
9. Gazi Köşkü (Gazi Mansion): An Ottoman-era mansion that served as headquarters for Turkish War for Independence between 1919-1922
10. Ziya Gökalp Museum : A museum dedicated to Ziya Gökalp (1876–1924), a Kurdish-Turkish writer,political activist and sociologist from Diyarbakir

---

1. Agriculture
• Known for production of wheat, barley, lentils and other crops
2. Textile manufacturing
• Produces clothing and fabrics
3. Construction
• High demand due to growing population
4. Tourism
• Historical sites such as ancient city walls and mosques attract tourists from all over the world
5. Retail
• Many small shops and markets selling local goods such as spices, textiles and handicrafts
6. Service sector
• Healthcare facilities like hospitals or clinics
• Education institutions like schools or universities
• Banking services among others which provide employment opportunities to residents of Diyarbakır
7. Transportation
• Bus lines and taxi services provide transportation to both residents and visitors alike

---

1. Diyarbakır Fortress, also called the Amida Castle, is a significant historical site in Diyarbakır that was built during the Roman Empire.
2. Ziya Gökalp was a renowned Turkish writer and poet born in Diyarbakır in 1876 who played an important role in shaping modern Turkish culture and language.
3. During World War I, Ottoman authorities forced many Armenians to leave their homes and killed or deported them from Diyarbakır, which is now recognized as the Armenian Genocide.
4. Hasankeyf is an ancient city along the Tigris River that has been inhabited for over 12,000 years.
5. Salahaddin Al-Ayyubi (Saladin) was a famous Muslim military leader who conquered Jerusalem from Crusaders in 1187 and was born near Diyarbakir.
6. The Kurdish-Turkish conflict has been ongoing since Turkey’s establishment as a state with disagreements over autonomy and cultural rights between Kurds and Turks.
7. The Mesopotamia Broadcasting Company (MBC) established the first Kurdish-language television station in Diyarbakir in 1992 to promote Kurdish culture and language.
8. Hasan Paşa Hanı is a historic caravanserai built during Ottoman rule that served as a resting place for travelers along trade routes.
9. İsmail Beşikçi is a prominent Kurdish scholar known for his work on Kurdish history, language, and politics.
10. Mardin Artuklu University is one of Turkey’s leading universities with its campus located within city limits of Diyarbakir.

---

1. The ancient city walls of Diyarbakır are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provide breathtaking views of the city.
2. Hasankeyf is an ancient town situated on the Tigris River, which boasts many historical monuments and structures such as an 11th-century bridge and a citadel.
3. The Mesopotamian Ecology Museum offers educational exhibits about environmental conservation while showcasing the unique flora and fauna of the region.
4. The Ziya Gökalp Museum is dedicated to one of Turkey’s most famous poets, offering insights into Turkish culture, literature, and history.
5. The Great Mosque of Diyarbakır is one of Turkey’s largest mosques that dates back to the 11th century – a stunning architectural masterpiece.
6. Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum House is a museum honoring one of Turkey’s most celebrated poets with artifacts related to his life and work on display.
7. Amida Mound (Hevsel Gardens) located on the banks of Tigris River offers picturesque paths lined with fruit trees for strolls or picnics in nature.
8. Dicle Bridge (New Bridge) spanning across Tigris River in downtown Diyarbakır provides stunning views from its pedestrian walkway, making it an engineering marvel worth seeing!
9. Atatürk House Museum once belonged to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – founder & first president of modern Turkey – who stayed here during his visit in 1919-1920 while fighting against foreign occupation forces after World War I.
10. Armenian Church & Monastery in Sur District was built by Armenians living in Sur district during Ottoman period; recently restored as part cultural heritage preservation efforts by Turkish government!

---

---

1. Diyarbakırspor: Founded in 1968, Diyarbakırspor is the most popular football club in the city. The team has played several seasons in the Turkish Super League and won the Turkish Cup twice.
2. Dicle University SK: Dicle University SK is a multi-sport club founded by Dicle University students in 2008. The club participates mainly in basketball and volleyball competitions.
3. Diyarbekir Belediyespor: Established by the municipality of Diyarbakır, this football team plays its home games at Diyarbakir Stadium.
4. Batman Petrolspor: Although not based directly in Diyarbakir, Batman Petrolspor represents both Batman Province and nearby cities like Siirt and Mardin.
5. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı Spor Kulübü : This football team was established by Directorate General for Religious Affairs (Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı) which is responsible for religious affairs within Turkey’s governmental structure.

---

---

1. Newroz is a traditional Kurdish festival celebrated on March 21st, marking the beginning of spring and the Kurdish new year.
2. The Diyarbakır International Film Festival is an annual event that showcases local and international films. Screenings are held in various venues throughout the city.
3. The Mesopotamia Culture and Art Festival is held annually in July to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Diyarbakır and its surrounding regions through music, dance, art exhibitions, and more.
4. The Diyarbakır Book Fair brings together publishers from across Turkey every year to showcase their latest releases in literature, poetry, history, politics and more.
5. The Ziyarettepe Cherry Festival is held annually in June or July at Ziyarettepe village near Diyarbakir city center to celebrate cherry harvest season with traditional food stands and live music performances.
6. Kervansaray Night Market is an open-air market held every Saturday night where locals sell handicrafts such as silver jewelry or hand-woven fabrics while visitors can enjoy local street food specialties like kabobs or baklava.
7. Sille Sanat Sarayi Folklore Festival is a three-day event held annually in August that features traditional folk dances from around Turkey as well as international performers showcasing their own unique styles of dance performance artistry.

---

• Çiğ köfte: A spicy meatball made from raw meat and bulgur wheat.
• Kaburga dolması: Stuffed lamb ribs with rice, spices, and vegetables.
• Kebap: Grilled meat skewers served with bread or rice.
• Mezze: An assortment of small dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, and more.
• Baklava: A sweet pastry made from layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and syrup.

Some popular restaurants in Diyarbakır are:

• Mutfak Dili Restaurant: Serving traditional Turkish cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
• Hazar Baba Restaurant: Offering a variety of kebap dishes cooked over an open grill.
• Urfa Sofrası Restaurant: Specializing in Urfa-style kebaps and mezzes.
• Sipan Restoran & Cafe Bar: A rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the city along with delicious food and drinks.
• Gaziantepli Baklavacı Güllüoğlu: Renowned for its baklava made using traditional methods passed down through generations of the Güllü family.

---



Parks and Recreation

1. Diyarbakir City Walls: The ancient city walls of Diyarbakir are a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can walk along the walls, which date back to the Roman era, and take in views of the city.
2. Hevsel Gardens: Located on the banks of the Tigris River, Hevsel Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features orchards, gardens, and traditional irrigation systems. Visitors can take a stroll through the gardens or enjoy a picnic by the river.
3. Deliller Park: This park is located in the center of Diyarbakir and features walking paths, playgrounds for children, and benches where visitors can relax.
4. Hasankeyf: A historic town located on the Tigris River that is currently being flooded due to construction of a dam nearby. Visitors can explore ancient ruins such as caves used as dwellings by early humans.
5. Kayapınar Park: This park features walking paths lined with trees and flowers as well as playgrounds for children.
6. Atatürk Museum: Dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (the founder of modern Turkey), this museum showcases his personal belongings including clothing items he wore during important events in his life.
7. Çayönü Archaeological Site: An archaeological site featuring ruins from an ancient settlement dating back to 7500 BC.
8. Mesopotamian Ecology Center (MEC): A research center dedicated to preserving biodiversity in Mesopotamia through various ecological projects such as reforestation efforts and promoting sustainable agriculture techniques among local farmers.

---



Create Memories, Travel Often.

---