Diyarbakır

Diyarbakir banner Caravanserai - Panorama of Hasan Pasa Hani - 16th Century Caravanserai

{{Warningbox|The UK Foreign Office advises against all but crucial travel to the city of Diyabakir |uk= https://eign-travel-advice/turkey ]] Diyarbakır (Kurdish and Zazaisch Phrasebook|Zaza: Amed; Turkified form of Diyarbekir is also common in colloquial Kurdish) is the largest city in Southeastern Anatolia, on the banks of Tigris (Dicle), one of the greatest rivers of Middle East, and considered by many to be the capital of the Kurdish people.

Diyarbakır Halal Travel Guide

Earliest references to the place come from Assyrian records, which mention it as the capital of the Aramean kingdom of Bit-Zamani (ca. 1300 BC). The Romans conquered the city and named it Amida, after the earlier Assyrian name Amid. During the Roman rule and the city walls were built, per the command of the Roman emperor Constantius II. After the Romans, came the Persians, and after them the Muslim Arabs. It was the leader of the Arab Bekr tribe, Bekr Bin Vail, who named the city Diyar Bakr, meaning "the nation of Bakr", i.e. Arabs.

After a few centuries, Diyarbakır came under the Islamic Ottoman Empire and earned the status of the capital of a large province.

Muslim Friendly Travel TO Diyarbakır

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Diyarbakır

Turkish Airlines offers daily domestic flights from Istanbul (IST) and Ankara to Diyarbakir (DIY).

By rail

Direct trains (the Guney Kurtalan Express) run five days a week from Ankara to Diyarbakir, taking 21 hours. There are couchettes and a sleeping car. The main stops along the route are Kayseri, Sivas, and Malatya; from Diyarbakir the train continues to Kurtalan, another 3 hours.

A high-speed line (YHT) was completed from Ankara eastwards

Travel on a Bus in Diyarbakır

Many local bus companies offer services from cities all over Türkiye, including, among others, Erzurum (6 hours, bargainable down to 320 TL from the standard fare of 190 TL), and Mardin (dolmuş-type service, 2 hours, 9 TL—make sure you have your change back if you have no exact amount). The main bus station (otogar) is about 10 kilometers away from downtown, along the highway to Urfa.

When traveling from Diyarbakir to west by bus be prepared for several ID check ups at military checkpoints.

What to see in Diyarbakır

Diyarbakir P1050751 20080427135832 - Diyarbakır's Ulu Camii or grand masjid, built in 1091.

The old city containing many masjids and churches, is a little run down but enclosed in magnificent walls. The city walls are very old and certainly worth a walk around. Some of towers are restored by the municipality and are easy to reach from the center of the old city. One such is Kechi Burcu, which offers a nice view of Tigris river below the city, and a great look over the city walls—a teahouse offering traditional Tea is nearby as well. However, be careful while walking on the walls and do not enter into all of the towers which looks fancy enough, as some of them are home to junkies.

The old city is like a village in the middle of the city with village mentality; goose running around, women having cay in front of their houses and kids shouting to Foreign Muslims the few English words they know.

However, walking around in the downtown is unique and totally different from other Turkish cities. You'll see people as they live their everyday Kurdish life. If you are lucky, you may even get invited for a Tea by a friendly shop owner.

To avoid problems, dress modestly. There is extensive development outside including a pleasant park. It's called Gazi Kösk and it contains many teahouses and traditional bed-like constructions, where you sink into cushions and drink Tea while overlooking the Dicle river below.

The Diyarbakir fortress has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

• Great Mosque of Diyarbakır - Diyarbakır Ulu Camii | The oldest masjid in Anatolia, built in the 11th century by Malikh Shah,the Emir of the Seljuk Turks.

• Kervanseray | Old caravanserai, now used as a place for cafes, bookstores, and souvenir shops.

• Meryem Ana Kilisesi - Virgin Mary Church | A Syrian Orthodox church founded in 3rd century. If you are lucky and the priest will sing you a fragment of the Bible in Aramaic.

• Surp Giragos Armenian church - Ermeni Kilisesi | The largest Armenian church in the Middle East, this edifice was restored by municipality. The first inauguration for a long time was held in October 2011 and has since started to serve the local Armenian community.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Diyarbakır

You can go for a walk on the old city wall. Get onto it at the northern gate and walk anticlockwise to Mardin Gate. Great views of the surrounding area and the city and it's free. Single tourists might be conspicuous, however, and should beware of pickpockets. The walls serve as home to drug addicts, criminals and poor children - don't wander alone.

Many tourists only visit the old part of Diyarbakir, but don't miss the new and modern New City. Around Ofis neighborhood you find a lot of nice bars and cafès filled with lots of students and young couples. Some bars have live music; ask some local residents on the street for suggestions. Don't worry about security issues as this part of the city is filled with policemen.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Diyarbakır

In the old city you will find many Muslim manufacturing metal tools by hand - sickles, hammers, and other, mostly agricultural implements.

You can also find affordable (around 220 TL) traditional Kurdish trousers the kind that older men wear every day. Enjoy Tea and bargaining sessions with some friendly Bazaar shopkeepers.

Halal Restaurants

Grilled lamb liver, ciğer kebabı, is a famous part of Diyarbakır cuisine.

Ekşili etli dolma, meftune, içli köfte are some other "must taste"s.

• Hasan Pasha Hani, Best place to get breakfast in Diyarbakir, located in an old caravanserai. Breakfast consists of your entire table being covered in many small dishes of tasty foods. Expensive by local standards but still very affordable, and delicious.
• Buket Lahmacun, One of the most popular and tastiest places in Diyarbakir to try lahmacun (lahmajun), thin crispy dough covered in od Meat and spices is very tasty and quite cheap. Comes with many salads.
• Dağ Kapı Ciğercisi, a restaurant popular with local residents for its grilled liver on a skewer. The restaurant is in an old house and is very big.

A mixture of wheat grain, chick-peas, and Yoghurt called mehir is purported to be very good for the stomach and is said to help healing tomach problems.

Diyarbakır is very famous for its desserts. Kadayıf, künefe are the two main types of desserts. They are acquired tastes, though, as they are very sweet and contain huge amounts of sugar. Saim Usta is perhaps the best place to have kadayıf in town, while for künefe, you should check out Levent Usta.

There are many Tea gardens in Ofis and along the basalt city walls, where you can meet local residents. People in Diyarbakir are very open towards foreigners and you'll have a hard time paying for your own tea.

• Mahya Kahve Evi - Mahya Coffee House | This coffeehouse (a mahya is a message spelled out by lights strung between minarets) has over 70 varieties of Coffee and a nice interior. The owners and clients are very friendly and easygoing.

• Tigris Cafe Nargile Salonu | Apart from nargilas, you can drink there delicious menengiç kahvesi, which is a very sweet milk based drink, a local speciality. The Tigris also has European style toilets available if you should be desperate.

• Hasan Paşa Hanı | Besides Coffee and tea, you can obtain an extremely rich breakfast and/or brunch here in the 500-year-old inn's nice atmosphere.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Diyarbakır

Diyarbakır - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Diyarbakır, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Diyarbakır. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Diyarbakır and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Diyarbakır. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Diyarbakır. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Diyarbakır: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Diyarbakır.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Diyarbakır: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Diyarbakır, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Diyarbakır.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Diyarbakır, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Diyarbakır, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Diyarbakır and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Diyarbakır, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Diyarbakır, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Diyarbakır without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Diyarbakır is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Diyarbakır.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Diyarbakır is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Diyarbakır, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Diyarbakır Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Diyarbakır

eHalal Group Diyarbakır is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Diyarbakır. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Diyarbakır.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Diyarbakır ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Diyarbakır. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Diyarbakır, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Diyarbakır are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

In summer check that your hotel has aircon since Diyarbakir can become very hot! There are quite some budget-midrange hotels on Suleyman Caddesi, close to the wall or at Inönü Caddesi. Check around for good prices.

• Hotel Surkent | Small but clean rooms and toilets, very colourful (pink walls!) Air-conditioning, heating, small fridge, comfortable beds, hot shower, western toilets, flat-screen TV. Some of the staff speaks English. If you are a foreigner a self-styled tour-guide called Omar might appear and offer his services. He didn't seem to knowledgeable about the sights, but he wasn't too pushy trying to sell his 60 TL tour. He answered other local questions though and his English was rather decent. There is a laundry service for 20 TL/2 kg which was fast but returned the laundry still wet.

• Hotel Kent | Looks a bit more rundown than the Surkent, but has Aircon as well.

• Hotel Sürmeli | Two stars, lobby was clean and bright, reception spoke some English.

• Aslan Hotel | Budget-friendly hotel.

• Hotel Ekin - not 'Hotel Evin' as one popular guide book calls it | The hotel is very clean, good views from the breakfast lounge at the top. The windows are good and have to be due to the traffic noise and frequent honking of municipal buses in front of the hotel. It's easy to get into the newer part of the city. The best locations for nighttime cafes etc is called Ofis. This area is about 20 minutes walking distance from the hotel and safe at night. Go to the big junction to the right of the hotel and cross over to the other side of the city walls.

• GAP Otel | TV, fridge, and 24-hr hot water is provided. The place looks nice, but it's down a narrow and dirty dead-end street. Limited amounts of Tea offered by the friendly owner.

• Hotel Birkent Nice, clean and central hotel with a very helpful staff.

Stay Safe

Diyarbakır is rough. At first glance, it seems not to be a very welcoming city, but the opposite is true. However, life in this city is hard for many people. It is not advisable at all to walk alone during the night time, especially in the old quarter. Taking some precautions during the visit is advisable, just common sense. Don't hang around in dark areas; try not to look like the typical tourist, etc.

While walking around the old city, you will see many children playing with toy guns, and, this could sound a little extreme, but they might try shooting you with plastic guns—be careful. Children can also be very annoying here, shouting "Money! Money!" at you and following you around. Not advised to give them money since that reveals the location of your purse and will probably not stop them. Just try to ignore them or try saying "Ayyip!" (shame).

The main shopping road, Gazi Caddesi, in the old quarter also houses two pricey hotels (one of them being the "Green Park"), which might lead you to expect that the area is safe. Be warned! The lower end of the street toward the Mardin Kapı and the Mardin Gate, is pretty dark and can be dangerous at night. Do not become prey to pickpockets who seem to hang around there.

The modern part of Diyarbakir is very much safer.

However, Diyarbakir seems to have recovered from the old times and the police are trying their best to provide a high level of security. So don't let the issues mentioned above scare you off, as the city itself is still a jewel among others in eastern Türkiye, offering an amazing and unforgettable charm. Tourist crowds are still tending more to Mardin (1h away), so enjoy having the city mostly to yourself.

More Muslim Friendly Destinations from Diyarbakır

• Hasankeyf — village to east, downriver on the Tigris, with lots of medieval Islamic architecture and pleasant vistas.
• Mardin (400 TL by Dolmus from otogar) and Urfa|Şanlıurfa are both a day's trip from Diyarbakir
• Karacadag the forerunner of domesticated wheat originated in the mountains of Karacadag. Cultivation of wheat in the area dates back to roughly 8,800 BCE. Today Karacadag is home to seasonal nomads. Explore the ancient villages populated by Turkmen and Kurdish tribes.
• See where the first animals in the world were domesticated as mankind started settled farming at Çayönü around 40 kilometers north-west of Diyarbakir. The site is hugely important for neolithic research and dates from 7200 to 6600 BC.

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