Cave Village (Kiwex) is an abandoned Yazidi settlement in the İdil district of Şırnak with houses carved into rocks, containing primitive shelters similar to those in Hasankeyf.
Cave Village, locally known as Kiwex, is a Yazidi village located 45 kilometers from the İdil district. It takes its name directly from its caves: the rock-carved shelters bear traces of an ancient life similar to those in Hasankeyf. The village is not a museum or a restored ruin site. It is a settlement that was truly lived in and then abandoned.
In the 1990s, most of the villagers migrated abroad and to big cities, sometimes returning in the summer. In recent years, it has been stated that some families have started to resettle in the village as part of the "Return" project. The stone-built houses, rock-carved rooms, and the general silence of the village are what most visitors remember.
Şırnak Special Provincial Administration has carried out road and landscape arrangements in an area of 110 decares around the village; this is part of an effort to bring the village into tourism. Nevertheless, this is not a crowded tourist spot, but rather a place to visit with curiosity and patience.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Şırnak historical places, Hz. Nuh Mosque.
Guide's Note
What is Cave Village, Why is it Important?
The local name of the village is Kiwex; it is known as a Yazidi settlement. Some of the houses are carved directly into the rock, while others are built of stone. Sources describe these shelters as structures bearing traces of ancient life similar to those in Hasankeyf. The village remained deserted for a long time, and in recent times, it has started to revive with the return of some families.
How to Get There?
It is approximately 135 kilometers from Şırnak city center and 45 kilometers from İdil district center. Transportation is entirely by road. Since public transport options are limited, going by private car or a rented vehicle from İdil is the most realistic method. The road can be narrow in some sections, requiring careful driving.
Best Time to Visit
The region is quite hot in summer, so spring and autumn months are a more comfortable choice for visiting the village. Avoiding the midday heat and going in the morning or late afternoon is more comfortable for both walking and photography.
Where to Look for Photos
The rock-carved entrances and the texture of the stone walls appear more distinct in the afternoon light. Looking from a slightly elevated point to see the general silhouette of the village better shows how the settlement integrates with the rocks.
Things to Know Before You Go
Tourist infrastructure, such as shops, toilets, and information boards, is limited in the village; you need to bring your own water and food. Some cave structures may be old and unstable, so be careful when entering. If there are still families living in the village, it is necessary to respect their private areas.
Other Stops in the Vicinity
A visit to Cave Village is usually planned as part of a trip centered around the İdil district. For those interested in rock settlements similar to Hasankeyf in the same region, a route can be created by combining it with other historical sites in and around Şırnak.
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