If you ever find yourself in the bustling city of Diyarbakır, Turkey, then you’re in for a treat. Amidst the cobblestone streets and the beautiful buildings in this destination are interesting places and people. Known for being Turkey’s third-largest city, Diyarbakır is home to scenic landmarks, like Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens, and delicious, hearty food at Tarihi Hasan Paşa Hanı, which is known for being the go-to place for Turkish coffee and breakfast. There is much to cover in a city as great as this, so to mark your next great adventure, you will have to come up with a great itinerary. To make this task easier, you can just read our guide on the best things to do in Diyarbakır, Turkey.
1. Take a scenic walk at Gazi Köşkü
Another stop to add to your Diyarbakir itinerary is Gazi Köşkü. You’ll be surprised to note that Gazi Köşkü is merely two-storeys high, a stark contrast to Cemil Paşa Mansion. It is, however, set on a great expanse of land with lush greenery as far as the eye can see, which makes it perfect for scenic and peaceful walks.
Once owned by a military commander during World War I, it is now one of the most beautiful places for relaxing picnics and long strolls.
Gazi Köşkü
Address: Merkez Gazi Köşkü Tesisleri, Köşkler Mahallesi Eski Mardin Yolu, Üzeri, 21010 Yenişehir/Diyarbakır, Turkey
Opening hours: 8:30am - 12am (daily)
2. Take the kids out to play at Goletli Park
If a chaotic life in the city is getting to you, then you can enjoy a stroll at Goletli Park. It is the perfect place to take your family, see the sights, and unwind. You will especially enjoy hanging out here at night, when the neon lights highlight its most notable feature–the giant pond.
In this pond park, you will be within walking distance of great restaurants where you can grab dinner once the day is over.
Pond Park (Goletli Park)
Address: Bağcılar, 21090 Bağlar/Diyarbakır, Turkey
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Learn about history at Cemil Paşa Mansion
Once owned by one of the most influential and controversial families in Turkey, Cemil Paşa Mansion holds a rich history and a great deal of intrigue. Now a museum, it paints a picture of how the wealthy families of old Turkey lived in the late 1800s.
As you stroll along the halls of this beautifully restored mansion, you will be put in the shoes of those that walked there before you. You will also learn more about Kurdish politics and their impact on the country’s culture. The structure is a piece of living history that is definitely one of the spots you don’t want to miss out on.
Cemil Paşa Mansion
Address: Ali Paşa, Binici Sk., 21300 Sur/Diyarbakır, Turkey
4. Marvel at the architecture of Ongözlü Köprü
Ongözlü Köprü or Dicle Bridge spans over the Tigris River. Surrounded by greenery, it is about 178 meters (584 feet) long, and it has over 10 arches.
Its beautiful architecture and the surrounding pastures make it one of the most breathtaking, must-visit places in Diyarbakır. Taking a wistful stroll across the bridge while listening to the sound of flowing water will surely make you feel at peace.
Ongözlü Köprü (Dicle Bridge)
Address: Dicle, Unnamed Road, 21200 Sur/Diyarbakır, Turkey
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Marvel at the beautiful architecture of Diyarbakır Fortress
Diyarbakır Fortress stands tall and proud amidst a bustling city. Its walls were once so impenetrable that they were compared to the Great Wall of China.
Braving several wars that broke out in recent years, the castle stands today as a reminder of Turkish resilience. If there’s one place to go to truly understand the history of the city, it is this historical landmark.
Diyarbakır Fortress
Address: Cevat Paşa, Karaman Sk. No:60, 21300 Sur/Diyarbakır, Turkey
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 7:30pm (closed on Mon)
6. Get lost in a maze of nature at Hevsel Gardens
Near Diyarbakır Fortress, Hevsel Gardens is a large plot of greenery as far as the eye can see. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery, and it is the perfect place where you can take a long stroll and appreciate the beauty of nature. You can also observe the gardeners as they tend to the plants.
The gardens are even home to a variety of birds, and they are near the Tigris River.
Hevsel Gardens
Address: Dicle, Unnamed Road, 21200 Sur/Diyarbakır, Turkey
7. Draw inspiration from Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum
You will find Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum just a short distance from Grand Mosque of Diyarbakir. Home of its namesake poet, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı, this place is definitely a cultural stop to see in Diyarbakir. You can explore the museum, which is divided into four parts. Each section represents a place people used to reside in during each of the four seasons.
If you are a fan of literary works, then this museum is definitely a landmark you will want to go to. It is the type of place that could inspire many a writer too.
Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum
Address: Cami Kebir, Telgrafhane Sk. No:19, 21300 Sur/Diyarbakır, Turkey
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
8. See the Diyarbakır walls
The city of Diyarbakir is protected by the large walls surrounding it. This intimidating fortress stands at 10-12 meters (32-39 feet) tall, and it is famously impenetrable.
The Diyarbakir walls are the greatest strongholds of the city, and right at their entrance is the newly restored Mountain Gate or the Dağkapı. This gate has seen much of Diyarbakir’s history, having been there for more than 1,000 years. Moreover, it is the first of many gates surrounding Diyarbakir that will see restoration.
Diyarbakir walls
Address: Cevat Paşa, Karaman Sk. No:60, 21300 Sur/Diyarbakır, Turkey
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 7:30pm (closed on Mon)
9. Find inner peace at Grand Mosque of Diyarbakir
All over Turkey, you’ll find beautiful mosques with remarkable architecture, and Grand Mosque of Diyarbakir is among the best. In this solemn and beautiful place of worship, you’ll be greeted with a stunning courtyard and an impressive prayer hall.
More than a mosque, the religious complex is also a cultural landmark, depicting great marks in the country’s history. It is definitely one of the best places in Diyarbakir to go to when you want to stay spiritually connected and find inner peace.
Grand Mosque of Diyarbakir
Address: Cami Kebir, Pirinçler Sk. No: 10/ A, 21300 Sur/Diyarbakır, Turkey
Opening hours: 7:30am - 8:30pm (daily)
10. Enjoy a hearty meal at Tarihi Hasan Paşa Hanı
A tourist destination even during its time period, Hasan Paşa Hanı is colorful, lively, and it is a must-see spot, especially if you want to have breakfast and enjoy delicious coffee. Not only is it a historical landmark of Diyarbakir, but it is also a place that is filled with many cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.
Situated on a bustling, cobblestone courtyard is a small dome surrounded by tables. Here, you can enjoy your meal while watching people pass by. Not only that, but you will also get to marvel at great views of Kurdish architecture.
Tarihi Hasan Paşa Hanı
Address: Dabanoğlu, Marangoz Sk. No:5, 21300 Sur/Diyarbakır, Turkey
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
A majestic city with a rich history
Diyarbakir is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey. Every restaurant, museum, and building has remnants of its ancient architecture, and it tells the city’s history well. If you want to learn more about Turkey’s culture, you will definitely want to visit this city.
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
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