Medieval Islamic Monuments Hasankeyf Turkey
A historic Mesopotamian town, now partially submerged, with key monuments relocated to a new site for preservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Medieval Islamic Monuments Hasankeyf Turkey
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Mesopotamian town, now partially submerged, with key monuments relocated to a new site for preservation.
"Beautiful historical tomb, nothing much inside but they are restoring. The outside is beautiful."
Free Entry to Park
Access to the new Hasankeyf park and its relocated monuments is free. No tickets needed! :ticket:
Respect the History
Remember that much of the original Hasankeyf is submerged. Appreciate the relocated structures with reverence. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artuklu Hamam (Bathhouse)
New Hasankeyf
A beautifully preserved Ottoman-era bathhouse, a testament to the region's architectural heritage.
Zeynel Bey Tomb
New Hasankeyf
This iconic 15th-century mausoleum was meticulously relocated, showcasing intricate Islamic architecture.
Old City Viewpoint
Overlooking the dam
Gaze upon the vast reservoir that now covers the ancient city, a poignant reminder of its fate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Town Submerged, A Legacy Saved
Understanding the Relocation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ancient city in Turkey buried under concrete and flooded by the AKP government for dam construction
Free Entry to Park
Access to the new Hasankeyf park and its relocated monuments is free. No tickets needed! :ticket:
Respect the History
Remember that much of the original Hasankeyf is submerged. Appreciate the relocated structures with reverence. :pray:
Crews have begun dynamiting Neolithic-era caves near Hasankeyf, Turkey, an early Mesopotamian settlement that will soon be submerged by a hydroelectric dam project
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the new site. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated while exploring the open-air site. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry to Park
Access to the new Hasankeyf park and its relocated monuments is free. No tickets needed! :ticket:
Respect the History
Remember that much of the original Hasankeyf is submerged. Appreciate the relocated structures with reverence. :pray:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the new site. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated while exploring the open-air site. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the relocated monuments of Hasankeyf beautiful and historically significant, particularly the Zeynel Bey Tomb. While the free entry is appreciated, many express sadness and a sense of loss over the original town being submerged by the dam. The preservation efforts are acknowledged, but the overall feeling is one of mourning for the lost heritage.
"Beautiful tomb that was transported and placed here with the help of a Dutch company. You can visit this tomb in the park for free. You don't need tickets. This tomb is from the old hasankeyf the historical town that disappeared under water. They saved some buildings and put them in the new hasankeyf."
janet bos
"Tomb transported from the old town before the flooding caused by the dam construction."
Michele Formica
"Super"
Zeki Ekinci
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hasankeyf is accessible by road. The nearest major airport is in Diyarbakır (DIY), about a 2-hour drive away. You can hire a taxi or rent a car from Diyarbakır to reach Hasankeyf. Local buses also run between nearby towns and Hasankeyf.
Yes, the new Hasankeyf site is well-marked and easily accessible by car. Follow signs for 'Yeni Hasankeyf' (New Hasankeyf) once you are in the vicinity.
Absolutely! Hasankeyf can be visited as a day trip from nearby cities like Batman or Diyarbakır. It's a manageable excursion to see the relocated monuments.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the new Hasankeyf park and the relocated historical monuments is generally free. You can explore the site without purchasing tickets. :ticket:
The new Hasankeyf site is an open-air park and historical area, so it's typically accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no strict opening hours for general exploration.
The Zeynel Bey Tomb is part of the relocated monuments within the new Hasankeyf park, and there is no separate entrance fee for it. Access is included with your visit to the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The new Hasankeyf features several relocated historical structures, including the Zeynel Bey Tomb, Artuklu Hamam, and various minarets and stone artifacts. There's also a viewpoint overlooking the dam and reservoir. :camerawithflash:
Yes, the new Hasankeyf site is designed for walking. You'll find pathways connecting the relocated monuments. Comfortable footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Unfortunately, the original caves and much of the ancient city of Hasankeyf are now submerged under the Ilısu Dam reservoir. Access to the original site is not possible.
While there isn't a large, traditional museum, the relocated monuments themselves serve as an open-air museum. Information boards may be present at some sites.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are some local eateries and cafes in the vicinity of the new Hasankeyf site, offering traditional Turkish cuisine. Options might be limited, so consider packing snacks. :sandwich:
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a good idea, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring. There are often picnic areas available. :apple:
📸 📸 Photography
The Zeynel Bey Tomb with its unique architecture, the Artuklu Hamam, and the viewpoint overlooking the dam are prime photography locations. The golden hour light is particularly beautiful. :iphone:
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the new Hasankeyf site. Be respectful of any local customs or specific restrictions if they arise.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Impact of the Ilısu Dam
In response to the impending flood, a massive and controversial relocation project was undertaken. Key historical structures, including tombs, mosques, and fortifications, were carefully dismantled and moved to a higher ground, forming the 'New Hasankeyf.' This effort, while preserving some of the visible heritage, could not save the entirety of the ancient city, its caves, or its unique geological formations. The relocated monuments now stand as poignant symbols of what was lost, offering a curated experience of a once-thriving historical center.
Exploring the Relocated Monuments
Visitors can also see various minarets and other stone artifacts that have been carefully transported and reassembled. A visit to the Old City Viewpoint provides a somber perspective, looking out over the vast reservoir that now covers the original Hasankeyf. This vantage point allows for reflection on the scale of the inundation and the historical significance of the submerged city. While the experience is different from exploring the original site, it offers a valuable opportunity to connect with the history of this ancient Mesopotamian settlement.
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