From the Tigris Shore to the Walls: Batman and Diyarbakır Route

This two-day route, stretching into the heart of Southeastern Anatolia, takes you from ancient Hasankeyf, rising on the banks of the Tigris River, to the historic walls of Diyarbakır, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Both cities bear the traces of different periods, possessing a deep cultural heritage. This trip is ideal for those who want to experience both architectural beauties and the spirit of the region.

Hasankeyf Ancient City

On the banks of the Tigris, Hasankeyf boasts a 12,000-year history. It bears the traces of many civilizations, from Roman to Ottoman, with its rock-cut cave houses and castle ruins. The ancient city also tells the story of the old settlement submerged under dam waters. Climbing to the castle can be a bit tiring, especially for families with children.

Hasankeyf Inner Castle

Built on this rock mass 135 meters high on the banks of the Tigris River, the Inner Castle was one of the important settlements of the Middle Ages. Inside, there are cave dwellings, the ruins of the Great Palace, and structures like the Grand Mosque. The castle is surrounded by steep slopes on all four sides, forming a natural defense line.

Hasankeyf Grand Mosque

Located at the highest point of Hasankeyf Castle, the Grand Mosque was built by the Ayyubids in 1325. However, its foundations rest on a Roman temple, and then a church. Its mihrab adorned with stone craftsmanship and the huge water cistern beneath the courtyard are noteworthy. The structure is in a dominant position overlooking the Tigris River.

Hasankeyf Great Palace

North of the Inner Castle, at a point overlooking the Tigris Valley, this palace complex spreads over an area of 14,000 square meters. From here, you can see the valley and the Ilısu Dam Lake from above. The palace ruins show where Hasankeyf's former administrative center was located.

Hasankeyf Small Palace

Located within Hasankeyf Castle, on the slope facing the Şaab Valley, the Small Palace is a structure from the Artuqid and Ayyubid periods. A partially preserved iwan from this palace, where sultans resided, has survived to the present day. It stands out with its geometric and floral motif stone craftsmanship.

Hasankeyf Museum

The Hasankeyf Museum, where artifacts unearthed from the Ilısu Dam rescue excavations are exhibited, is located in a modern building on the shore of the dam lake. You can see thousands of artifacts chronologically from the Paleolithic to the Ottoman period. The museum is integrated with the Archeopark, where the Zeynel Bey Tomb and the Artuqid Bath were relocated.

Diyarbakır Grand Mosque

When you arrive in Diyarbakır, let your first stop be the Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, one of Anatolia's oldest mosques. This structure, which emerged in 639 with the conversion of the Mar Toma Church into a mosque, stands out with its monolithic stone columns and sections separated according to the season. Take some time to experience the peaceful atmosphere inside the mosque.

Hasan Pasha Inn

Located just east of the Grand Mosque, Hasan Pasha Inn is a two-story, courtyard Ottoman inn built between 1572-1575. Today, it is actively used with souvenir shops, cafes, and local beverage spots. Here you can sip Kurdish coffee and breathe in the historic atmosphere of the inn.

Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum

In Diyarbakır's Suriçi district, this historic stone house where the famous poet Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı was born in 1910 is now a literature museum. It welcomes visitors with the poet's personal belongings, manuscripts, and its summer, winter, and spring sections, which are beautiful examples of traditional Diyarbakır residential architecture.

Nebi Mosque

Located on Gazi Street, at the Dörtyol intersection, Nebi Mosque was built in the 15th century during the Akkoyunlu period. It stands apart from other mosques in the city with its single-domed architecture built with black and white cut stones and its four-cornered minaret. The mosque's inscriptions are full of references to Prophet Muhammad.

Behram Pasha Mosque

Rising next to Diyarbakır's Peynirciler Bazaar, Behram Pasha Mosque was designed by Mimar Sinan between 1564-1572. It is known as the city's largest and most Ottoman mosque. Built from cut basalt stone, the structure offers one of the finest examples of Diyarbakır's stone craftsmanship.

Virgin Mary Syriac Ancient Church

Hidden in the narrow streets of the Sur district, this church is one of Anatolia's oldest Christian places of worship, with roots dating back to the 3rd century. It offers a visit right in the middle of history with its Byzantine-era mihrab and Roman-style door. Thanks to the living Syriac community, the church door may be open, but it is useful to get information before going.

Gazi Mansion

In Diyarbakır's Yenişehir district, this two-story structure built by the Akkoyunlus in the 15th century was a place used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as his headquarters during World War I. Today, the mansion serves as a museum, offering views of the Tigris River and Hevsel Gardens, and is also an ideal spot for relaxation.

The Batman and Diyarbakır route offers the rich history and natural beauties of Southeastern Anatolia together. You can use buses or private vehicles for intercity transportation. Exploring Suriçi in Diyarbakır on foot is the most enjoyable option. Don't forget to taste local delicacies; especially stuffed ribs in Batman, and içli köfte and kadayıf dessert in Diyarbakır should be on your experience list.

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