Diyarbakir's history, located in the north of Mesopotamia and in the Southeast Anatolian Region, goes back 9,000 years. Diyarbakir is one of the cities that impress its visitors with its unique culture, delicious food, historical places and architectural works bearing the traces of different civilizations.
Diyarbakır, located on the historical Silk Road, has been one of the most important art, culture, science and idea centers of the Southeastern Anatolia Region for centuries. At the same time, the city, which is at the forefront with its commercial life, is visited by many people every season of the year.
Diyarbakir Attractions
With its deep-rooted history, Diyarbakır is very lucky in terms of places to visit. One of the first stops for those visiting Diyarbakır is the Diyarbakır Walls, located in the city centre. Known as the longest fortification structure in the world after the Great Wall of China, these historical structures are 5.5 kilometers long and 7-8 meters high.
Diyarbakır Walls, which surround Diyarbakır, are among the most impressive historical monuments of the city. There are 6 entrance gates and 16 castles on the walls. Inscriptions and reliefs can be seen on the outer surface of the walls, one of the most important works that have survived from the Middle Ages. You need to take time to wander around the city walls, which you often come across while walking around the city center of Diyarbakır.
Located 3 kilometers west of the Mardin gate, the Bridge with Ten Eyes is one of the most magnificent structures of Diyarbakır. Known by four different names as the Ten Eyes Bridge, Tigris Bridge, Silvan Bridge and Mervani Bridge, this bridge is thought to have been built in the 6th century.
Gazi Mansion, whose real name is Semanoğlu Mansion, is among the breathing points of the city with its Ten Eyed Bridge view. The mansion, which was built by the Akkoyunlus in the 15th century, served as a headquarters during the First World War. There is an iwan on both floors of the mansion, which the municipality bought and gifted to Atatürk in 1935. The garden of the mansion, where personal belongings, documents and photographs of Atatürk are exhibited, is used as a social facility.
Çayönü Tumulus, which sheds light on Anatolian history, is located in Sesveren Pınarı Village, Ergani district of Diyarbakır. The historical city, where ruins from the Middle Ages can be seen, dates back to 7,000 BC. Üçtepe, located in Bismil district, is one of the places that attract the attention of archeology and history enthusiasts.
Malabadi Bridge in Silvan is known as the bridge with the largest arch among the stone bridges in the world. The bridge, which is the subject of many different stories, is among the touristic symbols of the region.
Diyarbakır Museum, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı and Archeology Museum, located in the city center on Ziya Gökalp Boulevard, are some of the places worth visiting. The inns, caravanserais, baths and bridges bearing the traces of the Seljuk and Artuqid periods are among the most important cultural assets of Diyarbakır.
Ulu Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia, and Mesudiye Madrasa, one of the oldest madrasas in Anatolia, are must-see works in Diyarbakır.
The fact that there are many caves due to the landforms paves the way for cave tourism in Diyarbakır. Lice Bırkleyn Cave, Ergani Hilar Cave and Silvan Hasuni Cave are among the most visited caves.
In the city center of Diyarbakir, where original handicrafts and local workshops are located, arts such as jewelry making, coppersmithing, silkworm making, carpet and rug weaving, and saddlebag making are still kept alive.
Neighborhood markets are the places where shopping is most lively in the city. In the neighborhood markets, it is possible to taste the fresh fruits and vegetables grown by the villagers and to see the local texture up close.
Diyarbakir Cuisine
Diyarbakır is one of the cities with the richest food culture in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. When Diyarbakir is mentioned, one of the first tastes that comes to mind is watermelon. Diyarbakir watermelon, whose reputation exceeds the borders of Turkey, differs from watermelon varieties with its taste and size.
Meat is the main ingredient of Diyarbakir cuisine. Liver kebab is the most well-known Diyarbakir dish. Meat, grilled and kebabs accompanied by eggplant and tomatoes are quite famous. Meftune, made with eggplant and other vegetables, is among the most frequently heard dishes in Diyarbakır. Rib dish, raw meatballs, stuffed meatballs, burma kadayif, milk Nuriye and licorice root are among the flavors that must be tasted.
How to go to Diyarbakir
Diyarbakir can be reached from many parts of Turkey by plane, bus and train.
Diyarbakir, which has been under the influence of different civilizations for centuries, impresses its visitors as one of the most important cities of trade, science and thought in the Southeast. Diyarbakir, a flight ticket away, stands out with its delicious food, lively streets and architectural works bearing historical traces.
