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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Hand-hammered copper coffee pot (cezve) — 150–500 TRY (~$3.90–$13); buy at Bakırcılar Çarşısı
Grape pekmez (üzüm pekmezi) — 50–120 TRY/kg (~$1.30–$3.20); available at Sur district spice shops
Walnut pekmez (cevizli pekmez) — the most distinctive Diyarbakır souvenir; 80–150 TRY/kg
Kilim rug or table runner — 300–3,000 TRY (~$7.90–$79) depending on size; Urfa Kapısı textile market
Kurdish handwoven cotton scarves (şal) — 80–250 TRY (~$2.10–$6.60)
Locally sourced dried herbs (kekik/thyme, nane/mint) — 20–50 TRY/bag
Basalt stone miniature carving — 50–300 TRY (~$1.30–$7.90); artisan shops in Sur
Hand-stamped leather goods (bags, wallets) from Deliler Han — 200–800 TRY (~$5.30–$21)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Sur District Daily Bazaar (Gazi Caddesi)
Hours: 07:30–19:30
Look for: Spices, pekmez, dried fruit, fresh local produce, tea, copper goods
Yenişehir Saturday Market
Hours: 06:00–14:00
Look for: Fresh fruit and vegetables, clothing, household goods, watermelons in season