Province · Sudeste da Anatólia (Mesopotâmia)

Şırnak

Şırnak has Mount Cudi, which Islamic tradition links to Noah's Ark, and Cizre, on the banks of the Tigris, with the tomb attributed to Noah, the Red Madrasa and the tomb of Mem and Zin.

In the photo: Mount Cudi, Şırnak

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The province

Get to know Şırnak

Şırnak is located in southeastern Turkey, between the Tigris and the mountains that run toward Iraq. Mount Cudi (Cudi Dağı), at just over 2,100 meters, is mentioned in the Quran as the place where Noah's ark came to rest, and local tradition links several sites in the province to the flood story.

Cizre, the former Cizre-i Botan, on the banks of the Tigris, preserves the mosque and the tomb attributed to the prophet Noah, in the Dağkapı quarter; the Red Madrasa (Kırmızı Medrese), built of brick; and the Great Mosque, whose gate became known for its dragon-shaped door knockers.

Also in Cizre are the tomb of Mem and Zin, characters from the epic poem written in the 17th century by Ehmedê Xanî, and the tomb of Al-Jazari, a 12th-century engineer who designed automatons and hydraulic machines. The dengbêj house keeps the narrative singing tradition alive.

Outside Cizre, the Kasrik gorge, where Mounts Cudi and Gabar meet, and the Beytüşşebap plateaus draw visitors in summer. Cizre often records some of the country's highest temperatures in the hot months.

When to go

March to May and October to November are the most temperate periods in Cizre. From June to September the heat is very strong on the Tigris plain; the Beytüşşebap plateaus are cooler. In winter there is snow on the mountains.

Getting there

Şırnak Şerafettin Elçi Airport (NKT) receives domestic flights. Cizre is also connected by road to Midyat, in Mardin, about an hour and a half away. Prepare the trip in advance, preferably with a local guide or operator.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Şırnak

Where is Noah's tomb in Cizre?

In the Dağkapı quarter, beneath the mosque that bears the prophet's name. The visit is religious in nature: dress modestly and respect prayer times.

Can you climb Mount Cudi?

There are organized ascents by local groups on specific dates, especially in summer. Access depends on authorization; check in advance with local operators.

How many days to allocate for Şırnak?

One day is enough for Cizre's monuments. Many travelers visit Cizre from Midyat or from Mardin.

How to cope with the heat in Cizre?

From June to September afternoons are usually very hot. Schedule visits for early morning and late afternoon and carry water.