Hasankeyf

Hasankeyf and River Dicle - Tigris River as seen from the fortress high above the cliffs, with the ruins of ancient bridge backed by the modern one

Hasankeyf is a small village located along the banks of the Tigris River in southeastern Türkiye.

It has been settled for perhaps as long as three millennia, though most cliff dwellings are around 2,000 years old. It was perhaps inhabited first by Assyrians and/or Urartians, and then most certainly by successive Roman, Byzantine, Turkic, and Arabic dynasties.

Hasankeyf will be flooded upon the completion of a dam project that has been in the works for a couple decades now.

Travel to Hasankeyf

Hasankeyf is far from the rest of Türkiye, but one can easily reach the city of Batman by bus or rail, and then cover the remaining hour or so of travel by shuttle vanes (dolmuş) offered by Hasankeyf town council (Hasankeyf Belediyesi). It costs 16 TL/person. It's also feasible to reach Hasankeyf by taking Batman-Midyat -Mardin shuttle vanes.

What to see in Hasankeyf

Hasankeyf is rich in history throughout the ages. The main archaeological highlight of Hasankeyf is the fortress on the very top of the town, overlooking the river. Considering how extensive these ruins are, an entire day (or two) could easily be spent exploring.

The grand days of Hasankeyf are long gone, so most sights are in a state of disrepair, or even partially ruined (which is made worse as the much needed funds for renovation are blocked due to the dam project), although all are intact—and beautiful—enough as to allow you to imagine what they were like back in the day.

• Old bridge. Built in 1116 by Artuqid ruler Fahrettin Karaaslan as a replacement of an older bridge and the bridge spanning the Tigris River is considered to be the largest from the Medieval Period. Passageway of the bridge was made of wood so that it could be removed in case of an attack, and as a result, only two piers and some foundation work are all that exist of the bridge today. The funny thing about the bridge is and the intact watchtower of the bridge on the opposite bank now serves as a room of an adjacent house built later, complete with a small wooden door on what was the main gate, opening to part of the passageway, which in turn serves as the balcony!
• Citadel (signposted Kale at the main highway through the town). This structure sits 100m above the Tigris River, overlooking Hasankeyf, with impressive views over the old town and the river. The fortress has likely been used as a dwelling place for centuries. Upon entering the castle area, you will be advised (both by guides and signs) that a guide is necessary to visit the castle. This is not true, and if you just walk past the guides will lose interest. The troop of men clearing rubbish all seem to speak a little English and are more than happy to show you secret places. Admission 16 TL pp.
• Small Palace. This palace was built by the Ayyubids and overlooks Hasankeyf as it sits on a cliff.
• Ulu Mosque (Ulu Camii, literally "Great Mosque"). Built by the Ayyubids in 1325, on the top of a church's remains.
• Great Palace. The palace was built by the Artuqids and has an associated rectangular tower that may have been a watchtower.
• El Rizk Mosque. The Mosque was built in 1409 by the Ayyubid Sultan Süleyman and stands on the bank of the Tigris River. The mosque also has a minaret that has remained intact.
• Süleyman Mosque. This mosque was built by Sultan Süleyman and is all but destroyed except for a minaret. Süleyman's grave is missing from the site as well.
• Koc Mosque. The mosque is located east of the Süleyman Mosque and was likely built by the Ayyubids.
• Kizlar Mosque. Located east of the Koc Mosque and the Kizlar Mosque was also likely from the Ayyubid period as well. The section of the structure which is used as a mosque today was a mausoleum in the past, containing grave remnants.
• Imam Abdullah Tomb. The tomb lies west of the new bridge in Hasankeyf and it the tomb of Imam Abdullah. Abdullah was the grandson of Jafar at-Tayyar, uncle of the prophet Mohammad. An epitaph on the tomb states that the tomb was restored in the Ayyubid period.
• Zeynel Bey Mausoleum. Named after Zeynel Bey, this mausoleum is on the less-built opposite (northern) banks of the river (and as such easily distinguishable from the surroundings), with its outside covered with charming blue mosaics of geometrical designs and calligraphy, although somewhat worn out. Bey was the son of Uzun Hassan and the ruler of the Akkoyunlu Dynasty which ruled over Hasankeyf in the 15th century.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Hasankeyf

Aside from the spectacular legacy sites, thousands of caves exist in the cliffs that surround the city with old shepherd paths through narrow side canyons and along the tops of towering limestone cliffs. Many of the caves are multi-storied and water-supplied. Until the 1970s many families still lived in the ancient cliff dwellings (signposted Mağaralar) along the river, but now there aren't more than a few inhabitants. Churches and masjids were also carved into the cliffs and numerous ancient cemeteries exist throughout the area as well.

The great thing about Hasankeyf is that the lack of Western tourists — and pretty much anyone at all — really makes you feel that you're pretty off-the-beaten track. Find a local guide to take you on some of the trails carved into the rock with stunning vistas of the valley.

Halal Food & Restaurants

There are a couple of places to eat Halal in town, offering typical Turkish fare and good prices. A glass of Turkish Tea costs 0.190 TL at the open-air village coffeehouse by the new (highway) bridge.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Hasankeyf

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

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Hasankeyf: 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 Hasankeyf.

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

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Hasankeyf, 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 Hasankeyf, 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 Hasankeyf and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Hasankeyf, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Hasankeyf, 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 Hasankeyf 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 Hasankeyf 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 Hasankeyf.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Hasankeyf 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 Hasankeyf, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Hasankeyf Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Hasankeyf

eHalal Group Hasankeyf is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Hasankeyf. 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 Hasankeyf.

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 Hasankeyf 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 Hasankeyf. 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 Hasankeyf, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

As far as sleeping options are concerned and there are two hotels along the river and the prices are reasonable but not as affordable as other similar quality hotels in this region of the nation.

• Hasankeyf Motel | The rooms are clean and some even have small balconies overlooking the Tigris River. Shared bathrooms and one Turkish toilet. There is high possibillity of bed bugs and it is not clean at all!

• Hasbahçe Hasankeyf - Newly opened guesthouse with wireless internet access. Serves a delicious Turkish breakfast of fresh bread, homemade fig jam, feta Cheese, olives and eggs. Spacious shower room available as well as bathroom with Turkish and European style toilet. You might have to ask for a sheet to cover yourself. It is not automatically provided.

It's also feasible—and legal according to military polices at the checkpoint on the road from Mardin—to wild camp on the banks of Tigris. The northern bank (the one on which the village is not located) seems to be more discreet, quiter, greener (like a finely mown patch of lawn), and has better views (of the ruins). If it's weekend, to avoid some (excessive) attention, just wait for the evening to arrive, so the local daytrippers from Batman leaves the place, to erect your tent. Also take usual precautions against scorpions — don't leave your tents and bags un-zipped, check your footwear before wearing them, don't remove rocks, and don't wander out of grass/humid areas at night.

If you go for a meal at one of the restaurants on stilts on the southern bank you are allowed to spend the night on the comfortable mattresses with the soothing sound of the river. (Inform yourself about meal prices before you order. Menus are not necessarily available.) Toilet facilities are scarce, though. There seems to be only one mobile Turkish toilet serving the several restaurants down there.

Stay Safe

While you will see local residents taking a dip in the river in summer, it is better to be on the safe side and save your eagerness for somewhere else. The riverbed is deeper and the current is stronger than they appear in the first glance, and indeed a number of lives is lost to the river every year in this very place.

Travel Next

Dolmuşes to Batman to north and Midyat to south leave every hour on the half hour. 20 TL to Batman, 8 TL to Midyat.

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