DIYARBAKIR FORTRESS AND HEVSEL GARDENS
Diyarbakır, which entered the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, is one of the metropolitan cities in the southeastern Anatolia region. The 5,700 meters long historical Diyarbakır Fortress and City Walls date back to 4000 BC. However, it is known that its present form is the remains of the Byzantine period. Since the past, it has been under the domination of many civilizations such as Hurri, Mitanni, Urartians, Persians, Romans, Abbasi, Seljuks, Artukids, Akkoyunlu, and Ottomans. It has the distinction of being one of the important walls that have survived from the ancient period. It is the third-largest city wall after Istanbul and Antakya walls in Anatolia. The castle is divided into two as an inner castle and an outer castle. There are 4 entrance gates in total, 12 meters high, 4 meters thick, and approximately 5.5 km long.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Eastern Turkey, not a destination that travelers are often preferred to travel. Among the main reasons; It can be said that it is located close to the Syria and Iraq borders, and transportation & accommodation facilities are not that enough.
The fact that this region is not open to tourism like Western Turkey, has caused it to remain quite untouched and people can still continue their traditional lives today. This characteristic of the region makes it very attractive for visitors who like local and traditional areas. If you are such a traveler and you happen to be in Diyarbakır, Diyarbakır Fortress and City Walls is a good idea to explore!
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[2025 Update] Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, continues to draw culturally curious travelers to southeastern Turkey. In 2025, the city’s tourism infrastructure has improved noticeably, with better signage, guided walking tour options, and increased flight connections from Istanbul and Ankara. The iconic black basalt walls — among the longest and best-preserved in the world — make for an unforgettable visit. Travelers interested in the living cultures and ancient Mesopotamian heritage of eastern Anatolia will find Diyarbakır an essential and deeply moving destination.
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