Diyarbakir is a city located in southeastern Turkiye (Turkey), and it is the capital of Diyarbakir Province. It is one of the largest cities in the region and has a rich cultural and historical heritage.
The city’s history can be traced back to the 3rd millennium BC, and it has been ruled by various empires and kingdoms throughout its history, including the Hurrian, Hittite, Assyrian, and Roman empires. During the Middle Ages, the city was an important center of the Islamic world and was a major stop on the Silk Road.
One of the most famous landmarks in this city, is its city walls, which are some of the largest and best-preserved city walls in the world. The walls were built by the Romans in the 3rd century AD and were later expanded and reinforced by the Byzantines, Abbasids, and Seljuks. Today, they encircle the old city and offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
This cityis also known for its mosques and other historical landmarks, including the Grand Mosque, the Hasan Pasha Han, and the Ziya Gokalp Museum. The city’s cuisine is also famous throughout Turkey and includes a variety of dishes made with local ingredients such as lamb, bulgur, and pistachios.
Despite its rich history and culture, Diyarbakir has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including political unrest and violence. However, efforts are being made to promote peace and stability in the region, and the city remains a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the cultural and historical heritage of southeastern Turkey.
There are several ways to reach Diyarbakir, depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation.
By Plane: The Diyarbakir Airport is the main airport in the city, serving both domestic and international flights. You can fly to Diyarbakir from Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities in Turkey, as well as from some cities in Europe and the Middle East.
By Bus: Diyarbakir has a bus station that serves buses from major cities in Turkey, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. There are several bus companies that operate daily services to Diyarbakir.
By Car: You can reach Diyarbakir by car from major cities in Turkey. The journey from Istanbul takes about 17-18 hours, while the journey from Ankara takes about 10-11 hours.
By Train: Although there is no direct train to Diyarbakir, you can take a train to Elazig or Malatya and then take a bus or taxi to reach Diyarbakir. The journey from Istanbul to Elazig takes about 24-25 hours.
Overall, the easiest and most common way to reach Diyarbakir is by plane or bus.
Photo by : Adam Jones, Ph.D. – Global Photo Archive