Hello, today we will talk about Diyarbakir, one of the most unique cities of the Southeastern Anatolia Region and bearing the traces of history. We are here with a guide for those who want to tour the Southeast.
Diyarbakir is a historically and culturally rich city located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. It attracts attention with its famous city walls, historical mosques, churches and unique architecture. Diyarbakir Walls and Hevsel Gardens, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, are the symbol of the city. Known for its cultural diversity, rich cuisine and hospitable people, Diyarbakir offers unforgettable experiences to its visitors.
How to get to Diyarbakir?
Diyarbakir is easily accessible from various cities in Türkiye. It is possible to reach by both air and road.
Transportation by Air
Diyarbakir Airport is located very close to the city center and has direct flights from many major cities in Türkiye. There are regular flights from major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
Transportation by Road
There are bus services to Diyarbakir from many points in Türkiye. Diyarbakir Bus Terminal is located a short distance from the city center and provides easy access to other cities in the region.
For those traveling by personal vehicle, it is worth noting that Diyarbakir is located on highways connecting it to other major cities of Türkiye.
Transportation by Train
Diyarbakir is also connected to some parts of Türkiye by train lines. However, this option is less preferred than others and the travel time is longer.
Transportation in Diyarbakir
Diyarbakir offers a variety of options for local and local transportation, making it easy for visitors and locals alike. Here are the main transportation methods you can use in Diyarbakir:
Municipal Buses
There is a wide public bus network in Diyarbakir. These buses provide transportation to many parts of the city at affordable prices. Route and time information can be found at the stops or on online platforms.
Minibuses
Minibuses are another frequently used form of transportation in Diyarbakır. Operating on certain routes, minibuses offer a faster and more flexible travel opportunity than buses.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available throughout the city and provide a comfortable transportation alternative. However, for longer distances, it is recommended to negotiate the fare in advance.
Bicycle
Cycling is also possible in certain areas of Diyarbakir. Hevsel Gardens and the roads along the Tigris River are especially suitable for cycling.
Walk
In areas like the historical Suriçi, narrow streets and pedestrian paths make walking ideal. Walking, especially while exploring historical places and bazaars, allows you to feel the atmosphere of the city more closely.
Places to Visit in Diyarbakir
Diyarbakir has a rich tourism potential with its historical texture, cultural heritage and natural beauties. The city offers important structures and places that attract attention as it has hosted many civilizations. Here are the must-visit places in Diyarbakir:
Diyarbakir Walls
Diyarbakir Walls, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, are one of the most important symbols of the city. These Roman walls are perfectly preserved and surround the city on all four sides.
Grand Mosque
One of the oldest mosques in Türkiye, Ulu Mosque is at the center of Diyarbakır's religious and cultural life. This structure, which bears the characteristics of Anatolian Seljuk architecture, offers visitors a unique spiritual atmosphere.
Hevsel Gardens
Located just outside the Diyarbakir Walls and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, Hevsel Gardens is one of the city's natural beauties. These gardens have been used as agricultural and recreational areas for centuries.
Hasan Pasha Khan
Built in the first century, Hasan Pasha Inn is one of the most famous historical buildings in Diyarbakir. Today, the inn hosts cafes and restaurants and is a popular place, especially for breakfast.
Cahit Sitki Taranci House
The house where the famous Turkish poet Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı was born now serves as a museum. It can be visited to learn about the poet's life and works.
Ziya Gokalp Museum
The house of the famous sociologist and writer Ziya Gökalp from Diyarbakır is now open to visitors as a museum named after him. The museum presents Gökalp's personal belongings as well as information about his work and the cultural life of his time.
What to Eat in Diyarbakir?
Diyarbakir is known for its rich culinary culture and offers unique tastes to its visitors with its traditional flavors. Some of the local dishes you can try in the city are:
Stuffed Ribs
One of Diyarbakır's most famous dishes, stuffed ribs, is prepared by stuffing lamb ribs with rice, spices and various ingredients. This delicacy, which is often served on special occasions and in restaurants, reflects the city's gastronomic culture.
Enchanted
This dish, where vegetables and meat are cooked together, is one of the favorite flavors of Diyarbakır cuisine. Prepared with vegetables such as eggplant, pepper, tomato and garlic, meftune is both a healthy and delicious option.
Curtain Rice
Perde pilaf, which is especially preferred in weddings and special invitations, is a type of pilaf that contains meat, almonds and various spices. The pilaf is placed in dough and cooked in the oven and is quite impressive in terms of presentation.
Stuffed Meatballs
Prepared with a combination of bulgur, meat and spices, içli köfte has a popular place among the street delicacies in Diyarbakır. It can be consumed as a snack or a main course.
Stuffed Kadayif
For those who love sweets, one of Diyarbakır's indispensable desserts is stuffed kadayıf, which is prepared by steeping kadayıf filled with walnuts or pistachios in syrup. It is a perfect accompaniment to tea.
Diyarbakir Festivals
Diyarbakir, with its cultural diversity and rich historical heritage, hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. These festivals add color to the social and cultural life of the city and provide enjoyable experiences for both locals and tourists. Here are some festivals you should attend in Diyarbakir:
Diyarbakir Watermelon Festival
Diyarbakir is famous for its watermelon and a watermelon festival is held every year in the summer months. The festival includes watermelon competitions, concerts and various events.
Diyarbakir Culture and Art Festival
Emphasizing the artistic and cultural aspects of the city, this festival includes music, dance, theater performances, exhibitions and workshops. Reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Diyarbakir, this festival offers a wide range of events.
Newroz Celebrations
Newroz, celebrated every year in March, is welcomed with great enthusiasm in Diyarbakır. Newroz is a festival that celebrates the arrival of spring and is an important cultural event. Concerts, jumping over fire and various events are organized in the city.
Diyarbakir Film Festival
Organized for cinema lovers, the Diyarbakır Film Festival hosts many national and international films. In addition to film screenings, the festival includes workshops, panel discussions and interviews with directors.
Under the Walls Music Festival
This music festival, held under the historical walls of Diyarbakır, hosts artists and groups from different musical genres. The festival offers unforgettable moments to music lovers in a unique atmosphere.
Diyarbakir Night Life
In addition to its historical and cultural texture, Diyarbakır also offers its visitors enjoyable moments with its calm and authentic nightlife. Although the nightlife in the city is more modest than in big metropolises, it offers a pleasant atmosphere to visitors. Here are the prominent aspects of nightlife in Diyarbakır:
Music and Live Performances
Some restaurants and cafes in Diyarbakir offer live music performances, especially on weekends. Turkish folk music and Kurdish music are among the music genres frequently heard in these venues.
Cafes and Tea Gardens
When it comes to nightlife in Diyarbakır, the cafes and tea gardens spread all over the city come to mind. These places are ideal for chatting with friends and enjoying a hot tea.
Bars and Pubs
Although the number of bars and pubs in the city is limited, there are some options for those looking to socialise and have a pleasant evening in Diyarbakir. These venues usually serve local drinks and light snacks.
Evening Events in Historical Places
Diyarbakir's historical sites host various evening events, especially during the summer months. Open-air concerts, theater performances and other cultural events provide unforgettable moments within the historical texture of the city.
We hope you enjoyed our Diyarbakir Travel Guide article. You may also be interested in our Adana Travel Guide article. Enjoy reading.
