Diyarbakır is southeastern Turkey's cultural capital, anchored by some 6 km of UNESCO-listed black basalt city walls—among the longest and best-preserved in the world. Perched above the Tigris River, the ancient walled city (Sur) shelters mosques, Armenian churches, Kurdish cultural centres and bustling bazaars that have thrived here for more than 7,000 years. The city is famous throughout Turkey for its colossal watermelons, its layered Anatolian-Kurdish cuisine and the plaintive vocal tradition of dengbêj storytellers.
Diyarbakır is southeastern Turkey's largest city and receives visitors year-round. The main tourist areas — the UNESCO-listed Sur district, Yenişehir commercial centre and the Tigris River banks — are generally safe during daylight hours. Travellers should consult UK FCDO (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey), US State Department (travel.state.gov) and Australian DFAT (smartraveller.gov.au) advisories, which at times have cited security concerns for southeastern Turkey. Political demonstrations occur occasionally; avoid gatherings and follow local news.
Current safety advisory
Moderate – Exercise Heightened Awareness. The City Centre (Sur And Yenişehir) Is Visited By Tourists Without Incident; Broader Diyarbakır Province Has Experienced Security-Related Incidents Historically. Check Live Government Advisories Before Travel.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Tap water is not reliably safe to drink; use bottled water (widely available, 5–10 TRY per 1.5 L).
- Pharmacies (eczane) are common and open until 20:00; a rotation system operates 24 hrs — look for the nöbetçi eczane sign or check the door of any closed pharmacy for the duty chemist address.
- Heat stroke is a real risk June–August when temperatures exceed 40°C; rest in shade 12:00–16:00 and drink at least 3 litres of water daily.
- No vaccinations specifically required for Turkey, but diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended by most travel health clinics.
- Travel health insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
- Diyarbakır State Hospital (+90 412 258 0060) has an emergency department open 24 hrs.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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