General Information about Batman
Located in Southeastern Anatolia, Batman is a relatively young city compared to many other Turkish provinces, officially becoming a province in 1990. With a population of about 633,000 (2024 data), it is known for its rapidly growing economy, rich cultural background, and proximity to historic Mesopotamian civilizations.
The name "Batman" comes from the Batman River, a tributary of the Tigris. Historically, the region was part of ancient Mesopotamia and has hosted civilizations such as the Assyrians, Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Today, the city’s economy is strongly tied to petroleum production, as Batman is one of Turkey’s major oil centers.
Batman also plays a cultural role in the region, blending traditional Kurdish, Arab, and Turkish influences.
Places to Visit in Batman
- Hasankeyf: An ancient settlement with a history of over 12,000 years, now partially submerged due to the Ilısu Dam project. Its caves, mosques, and bridges still reflect the city’s deep history.
- Malabadi Bridge: A historic stone bridge built in the Artuqid period, spanning the Batman River. It remains one of the largest stone-arch bridges in the world.
- Batman Museum: Houses artifacts from Hasankeyf and other archaeological sites, covering periods from prehistory to the Islamic era.
- Mor Kiryakus Monastery: A historical Assyrian monastery located in the Beşiri district.
- Zeynel Bey Tomb: A 15th-century tomb relocated from Hasankeyf due to the dam project.
- Memikan Bridge: An Ottoman-era bridge over the Savur Stream.
- Raman Mountain: Known for its oil fields and panoramic views.
- Caves of Hasankeyf: Rock-carved dwellings that were home to countless generations.
Batman Bus Terminal
Batman Intercity Bus Terminal connects the province with both southeastern and western Turkey. Buses operate daily to cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Diyarbakır, Mardin, Şırnak, and Van.
Facilities include:
- Ticket offices for regional and national bus companies
- Waiting halls
- Small restaurants and cafés
- Minibus services to districts like Hasankeyf, Beşiri, Kozluk, and Sason
Travel times: Istanbul–Batman (~20 hours), Ankara–Batman (~12–13 hours), Diyarbakır–Batman (~1.5 hours), Mardin–Batman (~2 hours).
What to Eat in Batman?
Batman’s cuisine reflects Southeastern Anatolia’s rich and spicy food culture.
- Perde Pilavı: A pilaf wrapped in a thin pastry, filled with rice, chicken, almonds, and spices.
- Kaburga Dolması: Stuffed lamb ribs, cooked with rice and spices.
- İçli Köfte (Stuffed Meatballs): Bulgur dough filled with minced meat, onions, and spices.
- Çiğköfte: Traditionally made with bulgur and spices, often served as a meze.
- Kibbeh Varieties: Similar to içli köfte, but with regional variations.
- Kutilk: A local dumpling dish filled with meat or vegetables.
- Şam Böreği: A fried pastry often filled with cheese or minced meat.
- Local Desserts: Especially kadayıf and künefe.
How to Get to Batman?
- By Bus: Batman has frequent intercity connections. Istanbul–Batman (~20 hours), Ankara–Batman (~12–13 hours), Diyarbakır–Batman (~1.5 hours).
- By Air:Batman Airport is located just 7 km from the city center, offering daily flights to Istanbul and Ankara.
- By Train: Batman is on the Kurtalan Express route, which runs from Ankara to Kurtalan via Diyarbakır, providing scenic rail travel.
- By Car: Istanbul–Batman 1,400 km (~20 hours), Ankara–Batman 1,000 km (~12–13 hours), Diyarbakır–Batman 100 km (~1.5 hours), Mardin–Batman 140 km (~2 hours).
Bus Companies Operating in Batman
- Metro Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Öz Batman Turizm
- Has Diyarbakır Turizm
- Seç Turizm
- Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
Local companies provide frequent services to nearby provinces like Diyarbakır, Mardin, and Şırnak.
