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Diyarbakır

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City
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Diyarbakır (Turkey)
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Practical info — Diyarbakır

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Walk along the ancient black basalt walls early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense summer heat.
  • Visit the historic Hasan Paşa Hanı caravanserai for an authentic and generous traditional breakfast.
  • Head to the Ten-Eyed Bridge (On Gözlü Köprü) for the most pretty views of the Tigris River.
  • Dress modestly when exploring the historic Sur district and when visiting the local mosques.

🍽 Food

🍽
Ciğer Kebap

Liver kebab is a famous local specialty, best enjoyed in one of the authentic restaurants in the Sur district.

🍽
Diyarbakır Watermelon

If visiting in summer, you must try the exceptionally large and sweet local watermelons.

🍽
Kadayıf

A sweet, syrupy dessert packed with pistachios or walnuts, available in local pastry shops.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Copper market

Find traditional handcrafted copper goods in the historic Bakırcılar Çarşısı.

🛍
Spices and local produce

Browse the lively local bazaars to pick up regional spices, dried fruits, and nuts.

🧘
Hevsel Gardens

A UNESCO World Heritage site offering a lush green oasis between the city walls and the river.

🧘
Historic inn courtyards

Seek out the shaded courtyards of old buildings like Sülüklü Han for a peaceful cup of tea.

Diyarbakır, situated on the banks of the Tigris River in southeastern Turkey, is a city of exceptional historical and cultural significance, often referred to as the heart of Mesopotamia. The city is world-renowned for its monumental black basalt walls, which are considered the longest and best-preserved fortifications in the world after the Great Wall of China, earning them a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Within these walls lies the historic Sur district, home to the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia. The Hevsel Gardens, stretching between the city and the Tigris, bear witness to thousands of years of continuous agricultural tradition. Diyarbakır is a cultural melting pot with Kurdish, Armenian, and Aramaic influences reflected in its architecture, music, and cuisine. The city is also famous for its intricate silver filigree work and its exceptionally large watermelons. Despite its turbulent history, Diyarbakır remains a profound symbol of cultural identity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C1381319263131251893
Rain mm667065654811219395174

Geography

Population
1,833,684 (2026)
Coordinates
37.91440, 40.23060

Facts

  • The city walls of Diyarbakır stretch for approximately 5.8 kilometers in total length.
  • The Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) was converted and rebuilt in 1091 by the Seljuk Sultan Malik Shah I.
  • The Hevsel Gardens were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 alongside the walls.
  • Diyarbakır's fortifications include 82 towers along its massive black basalt walls.
  • The city is home to the St. Giragos Armenian Church, one of the largest in the Middle East.
  • The Ongözlü Bridge (Ten-Eyed Bridge) over the Tigris River was completed in 1065.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Diyarbakır (19)

Keçi Burcu🏰 castle

A distinctive bastion of the historical city walls of Diyarbakır.

Gazi Pavillion🏛 museum

The Gazi Pavilion in Diyarbakır was a residence of Atatürk, set in the city park.

Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum🏛 museum

The Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum is the restored birthplace of the famous Turkish poet.

Diyarbakır Archaeological Museum🏛 museum

A museum displaying artifacts from the long history of the region.

Benu-Sen (Ulu Beden-Evli Beden) Burcu🏰 castle

A massive tower of Diyarbakır's medieval city walls.

Yedi Kardeş Burcu🏰 castle

A historic tower with seven bastions in Diyarbakır's fortifications.

Amida Mound🏺 historical

A settlement mound with remains of early civilizations in Diyarbakır.

Şehir Tiyatroları🎭 culture

The city theatre of Diyarbakır hosting regular performances.

Dengbêj Evi📍 landmark

A place dedicated to the Kurdish Dengbêj storytelling tradition.

Koşuyolu Parkı🌳 park

A public park for recreation and leisure in Diyarbakır.

Anıt Park🌳 park

Anıt Park (Memorial Park) in Diyarbakır contains sculptures and monuments commemorating historical events.

🕒 24/7

Sümer pak🌳 park

Sümer Park in Diyarbakır, named after the ancient Sumerians.

Deva Hamamı🏺 historical

The 16th-century Deva Hamam historic bath in Diyarbakır's Sur district.

Dört Ayaklı Minare📍 landmark

A unique minaret standing on four pillars.

Sevgi Anıtı🏺 historical

A monument symbolizing love in a Diyarbakır park.

Cam Teras🌿 nature

A glass-floored observation deck overlooking the Hevsel Gardens and Tigris River.

Virgin Mary Syriac Church⛪ religious

The Syriac Orthodox Virgin Mary Church in Diyarbakır's Sur district, one of the oldest churches in the region.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-16:30

Surp Sarkis Ermeni Ortodoks Kilisesi⛪ religious

An important Armenian church in the historical district of Diyarbakır.

Surp Giragos Church⛪ religious

A significant historic Armenian Apostolic church in Diyarbakır.

Frequently asked questions

Why should I visit Diyarbakır?
Diyarbakır is rich in thousands of years of history and has impressive city walls.
How safe is it to visit Diyarbakır?
Generally it is safe, but you should always follow the latest travel advice from authorities.
What is the most significant landmark?
The historical city walls (Sur) and the Grand Mosque are impressive.
Are there any culinary specialties?
Yes, make sure to try the local meat dishes and the famous 'Örgü Peyniri' cheese.
How do I get to the Hevsel Gardens?
The gardens are located below the city walls and are easily accessible on foot.
Diyarbakır: where is it located?
Diyarbakır is located in Turkey.
Diyarbakır: what is there to see?
Highlights include Keçi Burcu, Gazi Pavillion, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum.
Diyarbakır: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Diyarbakır: why is it worth visiting?
Diyarbakır, situated on the banks of the Tigris River in southeastern Turkey, is a city of exceptional historical and cultural significance, often referred to as the heart of Mesopotamia.
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