Siirt is a province and city in southeastern Turkey, nestled in a mountainous landscape carved by the Botan River. Known as a city of prophets due to its ancient tombs and Islamic heritage, Siirt blends centuries of history with vibrant Kurdish and Arabic cultural traditions. The city is renowned throughout Turkey for its famous Siirt perde pilavi (curtain rice with chicken), its distinctive hand-woven blankets (bürümcük), and its world-class pistachios. Off the main tourist trail, Siirt offers authentic experiences, warm hospitality, and dramatic mountain scenery for adventurous independent travelers.
Siirt is one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions in Anatolia. Archaeological evidence shows human settlement dating back to the Chalcolithic period (5000 BCE). The region formed part of the Hurrian kingdom of Mitanni, then passed to the Assyrian Empire, Urartu, and later the Median and Achaemenid Persian kingdoms. After Alexander the Great's campaigns, it became part of the Seleucid Empire. The area was integral to the Roman-Parthian border wars and later fell under Sassanid Persian influence. Arab Muslim armies conquered the region in 640 CE, bringing Islam to what became an important center of Islamic learning. The Hamdanid, Marwanid, and Artuqid dynasties each ruled Siirt, leaving distinctive architectural footprints. Seljuk Turks consolidated control in the 11th century, followed by the Ilkhanid Mongols. The Safavid-Ottoman rivalry shaped the 16th century before the Ottomans established firm control that lasted until the Turkish Republic's founding in 1923.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Siirt.
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1
Chalcolithic settlement; early agricultural communities in Garzan Valley
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2
Hurrian and Mittani influence; the region known as Mâri
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3
Assyrian Empire incorporation; Siirt area mentioned in Assyrian records as a trade route junction
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4
Median Empire control following Assyrian collapse
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5
Achaemenid Persian rule under Cyrus and successors
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6
Hellenistic period; Seleucid influence
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7
Contested between Rome/Byzantium and Parthia/Sassanid Persia
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8
Arab Muslim conquest; Siirt becomes part of the Umayyad Caliphate; Islam introduced
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9
Marwanid Kurdish dynasty rules; Siirt flourishes as a scholarly center
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10
Seljuk Turkish control; construction of early mosques
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11
Artuqid dynasty; Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) believed constructed in this era
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12
Kara Koyunlu and Ak Koyunlu Turkmen confederations
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13
Ottoman Empire; Siirt becomes a provincial center (sancak)
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14
Turkish Republic founded; Siirt becomes a province of modern Turkey
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15
Regional conflict between Turkish security forces and PKK affects the province; significant population displacement
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16
Peace process efforts; gradual economic recovery; tourism beginning to develop
Historical eras
The chapters of Siirt's past.
Ancient Period (Pre-Islamic)
Successive empires used the Botan/Garzan valleys as strategic routes between Mesopotamia and Anatolia.
Islamic Golden Age
Siirt emerged as a center of Islamic scholarship and Sufi tradition. The city's title 'City of Prophets' dates to this era, linked to the tomb of Uwais al-Qarni.
Ottoman Era
Siirt served as a regional administrative center. The bürümcük weaving tradition and distinctive cuisine developed during this period.
Republican Turkey
Siirt became a Turkish province. The late 20th century saw significant conflict, but peace processes have enabled gradual recovery.
Historical sites
Places where Siirt's past comes alive.
Museums
Curated collections that tell Siirt's story.
Siirt Archaeological Museum
Hours: Tue-Sun 08:30-17:30
Admission: 30 TRY (~$0.90 USD)
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.