General Information about Diyarbakır
Located in Southeastern Anatolia, Diyarbakır is one of Turkey’s largest and oldest cities with a population of about 1.84 million (2024 data). Often called the “City of Stone”, it is famous for its basalt architecture, ancient city walls, and cultural heritage.
With a history dating back nearly 9,000 years, Diyarbakır has hosted countless civilizations, including the Assyrians, Urartians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Seljuks, and Ottomans. The city’s Diyarbakır City Walls, built from black basalt, are among the longest and best-preserved fortifications in the world and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Hevsel Gardens.
Economically, Diyarbakır is known for agriculture, livestock, handicrafts, and trade. Products such as lentils, wheat, grapes, and the iconic Diyarbakır watermelon are famous throughout Turkey.
Places to Visit in Diyarbakır
- Diyarbakır City Walls & Hevsel Gardens: UNESCO-listed landmarks.
- Great Mosque (Ulu Camii): Built in the 11th century, considered one of the five most important mosques in Islam.
- Hasan Paşa Han: A historical inn now serving as a cultural and commercial center.
- Ten Arches Bridge (On Gözlü Köprü): A historic stone bridge over the Tigris River.
- Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum: Birthplace of the famous poet, now a museum.
- Four-legged Minaret: Unique architectural feature built in the 16th century.
- Deliller Caravanserai: Once a Silk Road inn, now a hotel and cultural site.
- St. George’s Church: Reflecting the city’s multicultural past.
- Ziya Gökalp Museum: Dedicated to the influential Turkish thinker.
- Malabadi Bridge: One of the largest stone-arch bridges in the world.
Diyarbakır Bus Terminal
The Diyarbakır Intercity Bus Terminal (DİŞTİ) is one of the largest in Southeastern Turkey.
- Over 100 bus platforms
- Ticket offices of national and regional companies
- Spacious waiting halls
- Restaurants, cafés, and shops
- Minibuses to districts and nearby villages
Travel times: Istanbul–Diyarbakır (~18–19 hours), Ankara–Diyarbakır (~12 hours), Gaziantep–Diyarbakır (~3 hours), Mardin–Diyarbakır (~2 hours).
What to Eat in Diyarbakır?
Diyarbakır cuisine is renowned for its rich, spicy, and meat-based dishes.
- Liver Kebab (Ciğer Kebabı): A local specialty often eaten even at breakfast.
- Stuffed Ribs (Kaburga Dolması): Lamb ribs stuffed with rice, spices, and almonds.
- İçli Köfte (Stuffed Meatballs): A bulgur-based dish filled with minced meat.
- Mumbar Dolması: Stuffed intestines with seasoned rice.
- Meyre: Traditional dish made with meat and vegetables.
- Kadayıf (Burma Kadayıf): A sweet pastry with walnuts and syrup.
- Watermelon: The world-famous Diyarbakır watermelon.
- Nardanaşı: A dish flavored with pomegranate molasses.
How to Get to Diyarbakır?
- By Bus: Frequent services from Istanbul (~19 hours), Ankara (~12 hours), and Gaziantep (~3 hours).
- By Air:Diyarbakır Airport (10 km from the city center) has daily flights to Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir.
- By Train: The Kurtalan Express connects Diyarbakır to Ankara via scenic routes.
- By Car: Istanbul–Diyarbakır 1,400 km (~19 hours), Ankara–Diyarbakır 1,000 km (~12 hours), Gaziantep–Diyarbakır 240 km (~3 hours).
Bus Companies Operating in Diyarbakır
- Metro Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Has Diyarbakır Turizm
- Öz Diyarbakır Turizm
- Seç Turizm
- Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
