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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Bürümcük blankets — the most distinctive Siirt souvenir; hand-woven from local wool (500-3000 TRY, ~$15-90 USD); compact enough for hand luggage if folded
Siirt pistachios — by weight from bazaar stalls; vacuum-packed options available (300-600 TRY/kg, ~$9-18 USD/kg)
Çökelek (local goat cheese) — authentic but perishable; consume within 3-4 days
Siirt mountain honey — jarred; easy to transport (200-400 TRY/500g, ~$6-12 USD)
Traditional Siirt spice mixes — sold in small bags; aromatic and long-lasting
Local copperware and handmade wooden items at the bazaar
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Tarihi Çarşı (Historic Bazaar)
Pistachios, blankets, cheese, spices, dry goods
Hours: Mon-Sat 08:00-19:00
Cuma Pazarı (Friday Market)
Fresh produce, household items, clothing
Hours: Friday 07:00-14:00 only