Diyarbakır and Hasankeyf Guide: City Walls and the Tigris Valley
Diyarbakır and Hasankeyf bring together thousands of years of history along the Tigris Valley: Diyarbakır's black basalt city walls overlooking the Hevsel Gardens, the stone courtyard of the Ulu Mosque, and the arcaded galleries of Hasan Pasha Han; further southeast, Hasankeyf on the Tigris, much of it submerged, and nearby Mardin round out two of the region's most distinctive stops. This guide outlines a route from the city walls to the historic bridges along the river.
## How to Explore Diyarbakır's City Walls and Hevsel Gardens
Diyarbakır's black basalt city walls, with their towers and gates encircling the Tigris Valley, form the historic core of the city and are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Hevsel Gardens. Walking along the ramparts offers wide views over the valley and gardens below, with points such as Mardin Gate and Urfa Gate serving as convenient access points. The Hevsel Gardens, just outside the walls, form an agricultural green belt descending to the Tigris, sustained by a historic irrigation system that has long fed the city. Visiting in the morning hours offers a cooler and comparatively quiet way to see them.
## Why Are the Ulu Mosque and Hasan Pasha Han Notable Examples of Basalt Architecture?
The Ulu Mosque in Diyarbakır, with its wide stone courtyard and restrained facade, is one of the city's central religious and architectural landmarks; its layered building history spans several periods, leaving traces from different centuries side by side. The courtyard remains a gathering point for local visitors throughout the day. Nearby, Hasan Pasha Han, with its arcaded galleries and inner courtyard, is one of the city's examples of Ottoman-era caravanserai architecture, now open to visitors with small cafes and shops. The widespread use of black basalt throughout the city is a defining element that sets Diyarbakır's architectural character apart from neighboring cities.
## Hasankeyf and the Historic Bridges Over the Tigris
Hasankeyf, a rocky settlement on the banks of the Tigris, held significance for centuries, but much of the old settlement was submerged when the Ilısu Dam reservoir filled; monuments that could be relocated were moved to a nearby cultural park. Today, visitors encounter the region's history primarily through this cultural park. The On Gözlü Köprü (Ten-Eyed Bridge, also known as the Dicle Bridge) over the Tigris is a Marwanid-era structure completed in 1065 CE, commissioned by Nizam al-Dawla Nasr. It should not be confused with the Malabadi Bridge, an Artuqid-era bridge from the 12th century located near Silvan; the two bridges belong to different periods and dynasties.
## Planning a Route Toward Mardin: Practical Notes
Traveling from Diyarbakır to Mardin by road is the most common option in the region, and the distance between the two cities also allows for a day trip; Mardin's stone houses and narrow lanes offer a different material and texture compared to Diyarbakır's basalt fabric. When planning a visit, midday hours can be hot in summer, so mornings and late afternoons are better suited for walking; combining the city walls, the Ulu Mosque, and the Hasankeyf cultural park can form a balanced two- to three-day itinerary.
FAQ
Are the On Gözlü Köprü and Malabadi Bridge from the same period?
No, these two bridges belong to different dynasties and centuries. The On Gözlü Köprü over the Tigris, near Diyarbakır, is a Marwanid-era structure completed in 1065 CE, commissioned by Nizam al-Dawla Nasr. The Malabadi Bridge, located near Silvan, is instead an Artuqid-era structure built in the 12th century, reflecting a different engineering approach in its stonework and arch proportions. Keeping these two bridges distinct is important for understanding the region's layered history accurately.
Can visitors still access the old settlement of Hasankeyf?
Much of Hasankeyf's historic settlement was submerged after the Ilısu Dam reservoir filled, so it is no longer possible to reach the old rock-cut settlement in its previous form. However, several monuments capable of being relocated were moved to a nearby cultural park, where they have been preserved and opened to visitors. Travelers can still encounter tangible traces of Hasankeyf's history through this cultural park, though the original topography and fabric of the settlement have changed substantially.