Top 10 places to visit in Diyarbakır
Having hosted dozens of civilizations throughout its history, Diyarbakır, one of the most fascinating cities in Southeastern Anatolia with its cultural richness, architecture, and cuisine, offers the following top 10 places to see:
- Diyarbakır Grand Mosque
Considered the oldest mosque in Anatolia, this magnificent structure is regarded as the 5th holiest site in the Islamic world. It was created in 639 AD by converting the Mar Toma Church into a mosque. Its courtyard features a historic sundial made by the famous Islamic scholar Al-Jazari. It boasts a dazzling architecture with black basalt stonework. - Diyarbakır Walls and Towers
Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the walls are considered one of the longest and widest defensive walls in the world after the Great Wall of China. The walls, approximately 5.8 kilometers long, have 82 towers. The Goat Tower, the oldest and largest tower in the city, and the Great Body (Married Body) Tower, famous for its reliefs, are ideal spots for viewing the city from a bird’s-eye perspective and taking photographs. - Hevsel Gardens
This area, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the Diyarbakır Walls, is a huge area on the banks of the Tigris River where agriculture has been practiced for thousands of years, serving as the city’s green oasis. Home to hundreds of bird and plant species, the gardens offer a unique view, especially when viewed from the walls at sunset. - Ten-Eyed Bridge (Tigris Bridge)
Built over the Tigris River during the Mervanid Period (in 1065), the bridge takes its name from its 10 arched spans made of cut basalt stones. It is one of the most important symbols of the city. You can walk across the bridge and enjoy the view while sipping mırra or smuggled tea at the cafes along the riverbank. 5. Hasan Pasha Inn
Built in the late 16th century during the Ottoman period, this historical inn is one of the places where the heart of Diyarbakır’s social life beats today. It houses authentic cafes, bookstores, and souvenir shops. You should definitely visit to experience the famous Diyarbakır-style breakfast served in the inn’s courtyard. - Zerzevan Castle and Mithras Temple
Located in the Çınar district, approximately 45-50 km from the city center, this ancient Roman border garrison is one of the most important discoveries in the world of archaeology. In addition to being one of the best-preserved military settlements in the world, the underground temple belonging to the mysterious Roman cult Mithras located beneath the castle has a fascinating atmosphere for history enthusiasts. - İçkale Museum Complex (İçkale Open-Air Museum)
Located in the northeast of the walled city area, İçkale is the first administrative center where Diyarbakır was founded. The complex includes structures such as the Diyarbakır Archaeology Museum, Saint George Church, Atatürk House (Amurlar Palace), and the Old Prison. It is a great starting point for understanding the region’s thousands of years of chronological history. - Four-Legged Minaret (Sheikh Mutahhar Mosque)
Built in 1500 by the Akkoyunlu Sultan Kasım Bey, the mosque’s minaret is unique in Anatolia for being the only minaret supported on four monolithic columns. According to belief, these four columns symbolize the four schools of Islamic jurisprudence (Hanafi, Shafi, Maliki, Hanbali). - Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı House Culture Museum
This historical mansion, where the master poet Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı, author of the poem “Age Thirty-Five,” was born and raised, is one of the finest examples of traditional Diyarbakır basalt stone architecture (with its harem and selamlık sections). The museum displays the poet’s personal belongings, letters, and manuscripts. - Malabadi Bridge
Located approximately 90-95 km from the city center, near Silvan, this bridge was built in 1147 during the Artukid period. It is one of the structures with the widest arch span among stone arch bridges in the world. With its human, lion, and sun reliefs, it is a masterpiece in terms of both engineering and art history.
Short Culture and Culinary Note: While exploring these historical routes, don’t forget to taste the famous Diyarbakır liver, drink Syriac wine or basil sherbet at the historical Sülüklü Han, and visit the Dengbêj House where dengbêjs (Kurdish bards) perform centuries-old stories and listen to those unique melodies.
