Hasankeyf Castle

The most comfortable time to see Hasankeyf is during spring and autumn. Summer is in the middle of the scorching Southeastern Anatolian heat; climbing the castle at noon is difficult because there is almost no shade. Winter is cold and sometimes snowy, and the stairways can become slippery. The weather is milder in April-May or September-October, and the light is also more suitable for photography.

Hasankeyf is approximately 37 kilometers from Batman city center. Batman Airport is 4 kilometers from the city center; from there, you can reach Hasankeyf by public transport or private taxis. If you are going by your own car, the road is asphalt and well-maintained. After reaching the district center, you can drive to the foot of the castle, and then continue on foot from there.

Climbing and exploring the castle takes 1-1.5 hours, depending on the steepness of the stairs and your desire to stop and admire the view. If you want to see Hasankeyf in general (including the old settlement area, the new area where relocated artifacts are located, and surrounding caves), you need to allocate half a day. It can also be combined with other stops in Batman, such as the Batman Museum, to create a day trip itinerary.

As you ascend the stairway, you will notice inscriptions carved into the rock, most of which belong to the Artuqid period. One of the two stair-tunnels built to carry water to the castle is open, the other is hidden. These 200-step paths are still sturdy. When you reach the top, you see the Tigris valley and the new area where the relocated artifacts from the old Hasankeyf settlement are located, all together. The view becomes more distinct when the light hits the river closer to sunset.

The stairway is steep in places with uneven steps, sturdy shoes are a must. Handrails are not everywhere, so be careful, especially if you are with children. In summer, there is no shade, so do not go up without water and a hat. In winter and rainy weather, the stone steps can become slippery.

The spots overlooking the Tigris River from the top of the castle are the most preferred frames. Taking photos from the riverbank looking up at the castle also better shows the castle's position on the monolithic rock. The light is softer and shadows are less harsh in the early morning or late afternoon hours.

The castle is not just a military structure, but also a religious center that served as the center of the Syriac bishopric for nearly 300 years. After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, it came under the control of the Artuqids and gained capital status, serving as the administrative center of the region between 1101-1231. After the Ayyubid and Akkoyunlu periods, it was incorporated into Ottoman lands in 1515. This castle is the most visible symbol of the Hasankeyf region, which has a 12,000-year settlement history.