Hasankeyf was the capital of the Artuklu Seljuks in the period between 1102-1232. It is well known for its structure and remains to belong to various Islamic reigns. Remains on both banks of the Tigris (Dicle) river will be submerged upon the completion of Ilusu Dam nearby Batman province, therefore salvation works were started in 1988.

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Although the original founders of the settlement are not known, scholars state that nearby caves were inhabited since prehistoric times. The settlement is cited as “Hesna Kepha” in Syriac sources while it is known as Hisn Kayfa in Arabic which means “rock fortress”.

hasankeyf

Hasankeyf Locals | Image by gülsüm şanlı from Pixabay

Hasankeyf enjoyed rapid development in the past since it was located at the junction of two historically important routes; the “Silk Road” and the Persian “Royal Road”, and also being near an important waterway as the Tigris. Its fortress, built by the Artuklu in the 12th century, is placed on a massive rock 100 meters (328 feet) high from the Tigris river. The Grand (Ulu) Mosque, built in the 14th century is at the top of this hill. The bridge on the Tigris survived to our times with its three pillars. This impressive bridge is known to be 100 meters long. It used to have, on its arches, human relieves holding unidentified objects in their hands as once seen in other bridges in the area such as Malabadi and Cizre. Other important structures in the town include Imam Abdullah Lodge, Zeynel Bey’s tomb, Rizk Mosque, Koc Mosque and Eyyubi Tomb.

Other significant places to visit nearby are the tomb of Veysel Karani, a famous Islamic religious thinker, in the province of Siirt, which is a site of pilgrimage for thousands. And the Carsi Mosque.

Nearest Airport

Airport Name: Batman Airport
Address: Silvan Yolu Üzeri 7. Km, Turkey
Code: BAL
Elevation: 1,822 m
Phone: +90 488 218 04 44
Serves: Batman and the Surrounding area

We highly recommend booking international and domestic flights with Turkish Airlines. Visit www.turkishairlines.com for prices and times.

If you wish to travel by bus or car please give the details of your journey so we can recommend a local transfer service. You must allow 3 days for us to make suggestions.

All companies we recommend are licensed by TURSAB. It is merely a recommendation we do not take any responsibilities for any of the services recommended on this website.

For areas to visit near Hasankeyf visit https://visit-turkey.org/destination/eastern-anatolia/.