What's more, getting there is much easier than you think; whether you're looking for a plane ticket or a bus ticket, you can reach this captivating city in just a few hours. The places to visit in Diyarbakır offer an experience that touches not only history but also your soul. Now, let's explore this magical city together, bringing you one step closer to securing your ticket.
List of Places to Visit in Diyarbakir
Are you ready for an exploration that extends from historic city walls to mysterious inns, from ancient mosques to the narrow streets that make up the heart of the city? Diyarbakır is so rich in places to visit that you'll lose track of time the moment you set foot in the city. Here's a list of must-see destinations for first-time visitors, places that offer the best introduction to the city... If you're ready, let's get started!
Diyarbakir Grand Mosque
Located in the heart of Diyarbakır, the Grand Mosque is one of the oldest and most important places of worship not only in the city but throughout Anatolia. Built in 639 with the arrival of Islam, the mosque is also known as the "Umayyad Mosque of Anatolia" because its architecture resembles the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.
Its courtyard, with its black-and-white basalt stone texture, ornate gates, and centuries-old columns, is like an open-air museum. No visit to Diyarbakır would be complete without a few moments of respite in the tranquil courtyard of the Grand Mosque, for it is one of the places that most deeply imbues the city's spirit.
Hasan Pasha Inn
One of Diyarbakır's liveliest spots, Hasan Pasha Inn is a historic commercial building built in the 1570s. Today, it's one of the city's most enjoyable stops. Its courtyard's black-and-white stone architecture, its coffee-scented atmosphere, and its historical texture offer visitors a glimpse of both the past and city life.
Having breakfast here, drinking coffee cooked on embers, or simply sitting in the courtyard and people-watching is an experience in itself. The souvenir shops are also quite extensive, making them an ideal stop for small souvenirs from the city.
Cemil Pasha Mansion City Museum
Presenting Diyarbakır's cultural heritage in its most elegant form, the Cemil Pasha Mansion is one of the finest examples of 19th-century Diyarbakır civil architecture. Formerly owned by the Cemil Pasha family, one of the city's leading families, the mansion now serves as the City Museum, connecting visitors to the city's past.
The mansion's rooms feature detailed information and object exhibits on Diyarbakır's traditional life, the old city, family culture, crafts, and social life. Its courtyard is a treasure trove for photography enthusiasts. This quiet, peaceful, and historical space is a must-see for those seeking a deeper understanding of the city.
Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum
This stone mansion, where Diyarbakır's renowned poet Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı was born and raised, is one of the most elegant examples of 19th-century civil architecture. Today, the building, a museum, houses the poet's personal belongings, family archives, and sections of his life.
With its black basalt stones, spacious courtyard, and architecture that preserves the original layout of traditional Diyarbakır houses, it offers visitors a journey both historical and literary. It's a must-see for those who want to get to know the poet of "The Thirty-Five Years."
Inner Castle
One of the places that most deeply imbue Diyarbakır's history, İçkale (Inner Castle) is a veritable open-air document of the city's over 8,000-year history. With its impressive location overlooking the Hevsel Gardens, its fortified structure, and its historic buildings, it is known as Diyarbakır's "oldest settlement."
Today, the Inner Castle, restored and reorganized, houses many important structures such as the Archaeological Museum, the Suleiman Mosque, the Church of Saint George, the Prison Building, and the ruins of the Artuqid Palace.
İçkale, where you can see traces from different periods of history and is one of the best spots to enjoy the city view, is one of the places you should definitely spend a lot of time in during your trip to Diyarbakır.
St. George Church
One of the most impressive structures in Diyarbakır, reflecting the influence of diverse cultures and beliefs, is the Church of Saint George. Located in the İçkale district, this historic church is known as one of the city's oldest Christian structures, dating back to the 4th or 5th century AD.
The church, notable for its basalt stone architecture, soaring vaults, and simple yet captivating atmosphere, is now a cultural heritage site. It's a must-see for those seeking to experience Diyarbakır's multicultural history in a single structure.
Diyarbakir Castle
Diyarbakır Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a unique structure that showcases the city's thousands of years of history. Considered one of the longest and most durable city walls in the world, the castle, with its black basalt stone, creates a majestic and captivating silhouette.
Walking along the city walls, you'll encounter a stunning view overlooking Hevsel Gardens; especially at sunset, the view is picture-perfect. The bastions, inscriptions, and reliefs within offer a glimpse into the city's rich culture. A visit to Diyarbakır wouldn't be complete without seeing these magnificent walls and taking a few photos.
Sheikh Mutahhar Mosque and the Four-Legged Minaret
The Four-Legged Minaret, one of Diyarbakır's iconic structures, takes its name from its unique minaret, which stands on four columns. Built by the Artuqids in the 12th century, this structure is of great architectural and historical significance. The minaret itself was once used both as a religious site and as a city watchtower.
Located right next to the minaret, the Sheikh Mutahhar Mosque is one of the city's spiritual centers. Its stonework, ornate doors, and tranquil courtyard captivate visitors and photography enthusiasts alike. Viewed together, the Four-Legged Minaret and Sheikh Mutahhar Mosque form a magnificent duo, revealing the traces of the diverse civilizations Diyarbakır has experienced throughout history.
Malabadi Bridge
Located over the Batman River in Diyarbakır's Silvan district, the Malabadi Bridge was built by the Artuqids in the 12th century and is considered an engineering marvel of the period. Its single-arched structure, approximately 150 meters long, is one of the largest stone bridges in the world.
The bridge stands out not only for its transportation purposes but also as an architectural and aesthetic masterpiece. Offering a view where history and nature intertwine, the walking paths and photo opportunities along the bridge are among the most popular features for visitors. Visiting this magnificent bridge in Diyarbakır offers a brief journey into both history and the region's natural beauty.
Sülüklü Han
Sülüklü Han, which holds a special place among Diyarbakır's historic inns, takes its name from the health services that once operated there; it was staffed by healthcare professionals who performed leech therapy. Built in the 16th century, the inn stands today as a fine example of Ottoman-era stonemasonry.
Sülüklü Han, where you can enjoy a coffee and a short break in its courtyard, also offers a sense of the city's vibrant atmosphere with its surrounding shops. Its historic stone walls and narrow corridors make it an ideal stop for photography enthusiasts. It's a must-see during your Diyarbakır trip, both for a quick journey into the past and to sample some local delicacies.
Ten-Eyed Bridge (Tigris Bridge)
One of Diyarbakır's most iconic structures, the Ten-Eyed Bridge, situated over the Tigris River and named after the ten arches it spans, is of great historical and engineering significance. Built during the Artuqid period in the 12th century, the bridge is a landmark in both history and engineering.
The bridge isn't just a transportation hub; its view, surrounded by the cool waters of the Tigris River, offers a wonderful setting for photography and walking. This structure, which has connected the city and its surroundings throughout history, is a must-see during your visit to Diyarbakır. The light passing through the bridge, especially at sunset, blends with the city like a painting.
Hevsel Gardens
Lying along the Tigris River in the heart of Diyarbakır, Hevsel Gardens are renowned not only for their natural beauty but also for having been a lifeline for the city throughout history. These fertile lands, used for irrigation and agriculture for thousands of years, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015.
Strolling through the gardens, you can escape the city and take a break from nature, taking in the view of fruit trees, vegetable fields, and the historic city walls. Ideal for both a peaceful stroll and a photo opportunity, Hevsel Gardens is one of Diyarbakır's rare spots that combines the richness of history and nature.