Bismil (District)
Today, we turn our route to Diyarbakır’s largest and most colorful district, Bismil. Bismil is not merely a settlement; it is like a land of fairytales, where rivers flow through its terrain, storks glide across the sky, and thousands of years of secrets lie hidden beneath its soil!
Bismil(Bismil Belediyesi)
A Thousand-Year Time Machine
The soil of Bismil is so ancient that you may feel as if you have stepped into a time machine. Körtiktepe, located in the district, is one of the most important sites in the world, with a history dating back 12,000 years (10,400 BCE). It is also said that in ancient times, a massive Assyrian palace named Tuşpa stood here and served as one of the largest communication centers in the world.
The Home of Storks: The Tigris River
The most vital force bringing life to Bismil is the magnificent Tigris River that flows through it. Thanks to this river, the land is exceptionally fertile. But Bismil’s true masters are our friends in the sky: the storks! Bismil is one of the places in the world with the highest concentration of storks; thus, you will find stork figures everywhere in the district.
Halay and Brotherhood
The people of Bismil are exceptionally warm-hearted. Here, Turkmen, Kurds, Zazas, and Arabs have lived together in harmony for centuries.
This richness is reflected in their games. Children in Bismil learn to play games such as delilo, halay, and çepik as early as three or four years old. At weddings, dancing hand in hand together is the most beautiful reflection of Bismil’s culture.
A Taste Too!
When you are hungry, you can savor wonderful dishes in Bismil:
Meftune: A flavorful dish combining tomato, eggplant, and squash with meat and plenty of garlic!
Babakanuç: A delightful combination of roasted eggplant and eggs.
Haside: A sweet energy source made with grape molasses, warming your soul during winter days!
