Diyarbakır

Amed

An ancient city on the Tigris River famous for its 5-kilometer-long black basalt walls and rich Mesopotamian history dating back thousands of years. The old city within the walls contains a magnificent bazaar, historic mosques, and cultural monuments that reflect its importance as a strategic crossroads of civilizations.

Things to do

• Walk the City Walls — Traverse the 5-kilometer-long black basalt fortification that encircles the old city, offering panoramic views of the Tigris River and surrounding landscape from multiple restored sections.
• Explore the Grand Bazaar — Wander through the labyrinthine covered market in the old city where vendors sell traditional textiles, copper goods, spices, and local handicrafts amid centuries-old architecture.
• Visit the Ulu Cami — Admire this 12th-century Great Mosque featuring distinctive Seljuk architecture with a striking minaret and intricate interior courtyard located in the heart of the old city.
• Tour the Hevsel Gardens — Discover these ancient gardens along the Tigris floodplain where locals have cultivated vegetables and fruits for millennia using traditional irrigation methods.
• Visit the Archaeology Museum — Examine artifacts spanning Mesopotamian, Roman, and Islamic periods, including cuneiform tablets and sculptures that illustrate Diyarbakır's role as a crossroads of ancient civilizations.
• Relax at the Tigris Riverbank — Spend time along the scenic waterfront where locals gather for evening strolls and you can observe daily life while enjoying views of the illuminated city walls at dusk.

Food to try

• Cızbız — A traditional meat and vegetable stew slow-cooked with regional spices, typically served as a hearty main course with flatbread.
• Diyarbakır Kebab — Grilled meat kebab seasoned with sumac and local herbs, often served with grilled tomatoes, peppers, and traditional lavash bread.
• Kaymak and Honey — Thick cream (kaymak) from local dairy paired with local wildflower honey, commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet treat with warm flatbread.
• Stuffed Grape Leaves (Yaprak Sarması) — Vine leaves rolled with spiced rice and sometimes meat, steamed until tender and served as a traditional appetizer or light meal throughout the region.
• Watermelon (Karpuz) — Diyarbakır is famous for its sweet, seedless watermelons grown along the Tigris, sold fresh at markets and enjoyed as a refreshing seasonal staple.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Prayer Times — Many shops and attractions may have adjusted hours during the five daily prayers; plan visits accordingly and be respectful if you encounter worshippers at mosques and religious sites.
• Dress Modestly — Particularly when visiting mosques and the old city, wearing conservative clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appreciated and shows respect for local customs.
• Learn Basic Kurdish Greetings — While Turkish is official, many locals speak Kurdish; greeting people with 'Silav' (hello) or 'Sipas' (thank you) in Kurdish will be warmly received and appreciated.
• Accept Tea and Hospitality — Turkish tea (çay) is offered frequently in shops and homes as a gesture of welcome; accepting it graciously is an important part of social interaction and shows respect.