Diyarbakır, Turkey: cities, destinations and things to do

The province

Get to know Diyarbakır

Diyarbakır stands on a rise beside the Tigris River (Dicle). The old town, called Sur, is surrounded by nearly 6 km of black basalt walls and dozens of towers, which together with the Hevsel Gardens between the city and the river form the World Heritage Site inscribed in 2015.

Inside the walls are the Great Mosque (Ulu Camii), one of the oldest in Anatolia; the 16th-century Hasan Paşa caravanserai, with cafés serving breakfast in the courtyard; ancient churches; and the İçkale complex, which has a museum.

To the south, the Ten-Arches Bridge (On Gözlü Köprü), dating from 1065, crosses the Tigris in basalt and is about 180 metres long. On the road to Mardin, Zerzevan Fortress was a Roman frontier garrison and contains an underground Mithraic temple; it is on the tentative list for World Heritage. In Ergani, to the north, Çayönü is one of the oldest known settlements.

In Silvan, the 12th-century Malabadi Bridge spans the Batman River with a very wide arch. Local cuisine includes kaburga dolması, lamb ribs stuffed with rice, liver kebabs and large watermelons grown on the Tigris banks.

Destinations

1 destination in Diyarbakır

1 city

Mardin and Diyarbakır

Cities

1 cities in Diyarbakır in the guide

Diyarbakır Capital

Diyarbakır

Diyarbakır has a historic core enclosed by basalt walls. The ensemble with the Hevsel gardens is a World Heritage site. The Great Mosque and the buildings of İçkale add architecture and context to a walk through the old streets.

When to go

April, May, October and November usually have mild temperatures. From June to September the heat is often strong; plan walks for early morning and late afternoon. Winter is cool and can be rainy.

Getting there

Diyarbakır Airport (DIY) is about 10 km from the centre and receives flights from several Turkish cities. The city has a railway station and a bus terminal. Mardin is about an hour and a half by road to the south, and Batman to the east.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Diyarbakır

Can you walk on the walls of Diyarbakır?

Yes, on the sections open to visitors, such as the bastions on the Hevsel side, which offer views over the gardens and the Tigris. Other sections are closed; follow the signage.

How many days should I allow for Diyarbakır?

One day for the old town and the Ten-Arches Bridge; with two days you can include Zerzevan and Malabadi.

What is breakfast like at Hasan Paşa Hanı?

The courtyard of the former caravanserai houses cafés that serve cheeses, olives, honey, eggs and breads. It's a common stop before exploring the old town.

Does Diyarbakır pair well with Mardin?

Yes. The two cities are close, and many itineraries arrive at one airport and depart from the other.

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