Dishes you should try in Hasankeyf: Hasankeyf Köftesi, Dicle Balığı and Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Hasankeyf is famous for.
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Famous Dishes of Hasankeyf
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Hasankeyf Köftesi
Finely minced lamb kneaded with bulgur and spices and then cooked. It is Hasankeyf's best-known local flavour.
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Dicle Balığı
Freshwater fish from the Tigris, served grilled or baked in a tandoor. Şabut (shad) and bıyıklı balık (barbel) are the most popular species.
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Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs)
A stuffing of rice, minced meat and spices is placed inside lamb ribs and baked in the oven. It is one of the special flavours of southeastern Anatolian cuisine.
Dishes from Batman Cuisine
What to eat in Batman →These dishes are known throughout Batman province; see the provincial food guide for details.
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Batman Piçik Yemeği (local Batman dish)
A local dish unique to Batman, with a registered geographical indication.
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Batman Şam Böreği (Batman börek)
A Batman börek with a registered geographical indication.
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Sason Çileği (Sason mountain strawberries)
Mountain strawberries registered with a protected designation of origin.
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Sason Balı (Sason honey)
Highland honey registered with a protected designation of origin.
What to Buy in Hasankeyf: Local Products
- Hasankeyf Mehina Sarımsağı Hasankeyf Mehina Garlic was registered as a protected designation of origin on 17 April 2024 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1573). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Batman Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.
- Hasankeyf Balı Honey obtained from the rich flora of the Tigris valley, known for its light colour and floral aroma.
- Ceviz Walnuts grown in orchards around Hasankeyf, the best-known agricultural product of the area.
What Hasankeyf Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions
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12,000-Year Settlement Heritage
Hasankeyf is one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia and bears traces of Assyrian, Roman, Byzantine, Artuqid, Ayyubid and Ottoman civilisations. This multi-layered history has turned the district into an open-air museum.
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Ilısu Dam and Cultural Loss
The Ilısu Dam, which began filling in 2020, submerged much of old Hasankeyf. The relocation of historic monuments and the conservation work drew wide attention internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I eat in Hasankeyf?
Hasankeyf is known for 3 local dishes, above all Hasankeyf Köftesi, Dicle Balığı and Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs). Finely minced lamb kneaded with bulgur and spices and then cooked. It is Hasankeyf's best-known local flavour.
What is Hasankeyf famous for?
Hasankeyf is known for Hasankeyf Köftesi, Hasankeyf Mehina Sarımsağı and 12,000-Year Settlement Heritage. Its best-known sights include Ilısu Dam Lake and Hasankeyf Ancient City.
What to buy in Hasankeyf?
Local products and souvenirs to buy in Hasankeyf include Hasankeyf Mehina Sarımsağı, Hasankeyf Balı and Ceviz.
Hasankeyf Travel Guide
- Things to Do in Hasankeyf 9 places to visit
- What to Eat in Batman All the famous dishes of the province
What to Eat in Other Districts of Batman
- Batman Central District 3 dishes Büryan Kebabı (pit-roasted lamb), Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs) and Ciğer Kebabı (liver kebab)
- Beşiri 3 dishes Büryan Kebabı (pit-roasted lamb), Bulgur Pilavı (bulgur pilaf) and Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs)
- Gercüş 5 dishes Büryan Kebabı (pit-roasted lamb), İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls) and Dobo (Syriac dish)
- Kozluk 3 dishes Büryan Kebabı (pit-roasted lamb), Bulgur Pilavı (bulgur pilaf) and Perde Pilavı (rice wrapped in yufka)
- Sason 4 dishes Sason Balı (Sason honey), Büryan Kebabı (pit-roasted lamb) and Sason Peyniri (Sason cheese)