4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
2 hours by plane from Istanbul
When to go
Preferably in the best season
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Hasankeyf (Turkey)
©
Nicolas Hillaire
Practical information on Hasankeyf
Reviews of Hasankeyf
Clinging to the sides of the Tigris gorges in the east of the country, Hasankeyf is completely beautiful.
My suggestion:
It's possible that a dam will be built on the Tigris that will flood the town and drown its historic sites, so go there as soon as possible.
My review
In the south-east of the country you will find a little town left behind by time, that looks like it'll float away in the years to come: Hasankeyf A small, colorful village Hasankeyf is an uncategorizable historical marvel: a thousand year old mosque (built on the ruins of a Catholic church), a fortress that dominates the town from the heights of the gorge, troglodyte houses, mausoleums and ancient religious ruins - all built in the lunar surroundings of the arid mountains that surround it.
©
@flickr cc Senol Demir
An historical site with multiple influences on the banks of the River Tigris, Hasankeyf is a must-see for history and trekking enthusiasts!
My suggestion:
Hurry up! The Turkish government plans to build a dam on the river, recovering these wonders accumulated over 1,500 years from an artificial lake, only exceeding the top of the minaret...
My review
During your tour of Western Turkey, stop at Hasankeyf to understand the region's historic wealth. The valley has housed a Christian palace since the 5th century, the Ottoman Empire and the region's Kurds administrators enriched the architecture in the 8th century with a citadel and a palace now in ruins, as well as a mosque that is still standing.
Be sure to admire the ruins of the old city, even carved into the mountain, behind the cliff which stands over the River Tigris. I also went further into the valleys: the landscape is breathtaking, and the paths are accessible to all. But don't get trapped at night!
But Hasankeyf isn't only about the past, it's also the opportunity to discover the Kurdish hospitality, to enjoy musical evenings over a black tea whilst admiring the magnificent sunsets over a magical river.
©
Nicolas Hillaire
196 travelers' photos
