3 places to visit in the Mutki district of Bitlis: Mutki Castle Ruins, Mutki Plateaus and Mutki Waterfalls. Plan your trip to Mutki with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Mutki is a district of Bitlis Province, surrounded by Güroymak, Bitlis Merkez, Baykan, Hasköy, Muş Merkez, Sason and Kozluk. The district covers an area of 1,069 km² and has an average elevation of 1,485 metres above sea level. It has the smallest population of all the districts of Bitlis Province.
Throughout the ages, the Mutki district was ruled by the Assyrians, the Persians, and the Roman and Byzantine Empires, and was conquered by Muslim Arabs under Caliph Omar. After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, it became one of the first stopping points of the great Turkish power that began to move into Anatolia, and it remained under various Turkish principalities, including the Akkoyunlu. After the Battle of Çaldıran victory in 1514 the region was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. During the First World War it was occupied by Armenians and Russians, and it was liberated from occupation on 6 April 1916. After Mutki became a province by a law passed in 1935, construction of the Government House began in 1938, and since 1941 it has been known by the district name “Mutki”.
Mutki was conquered by Muslim Arabs during the reign of Caliph Omar. Since the completion of the Government House, begun in 1938, Mutki has been known by its district name since 1941.
Last updated:
Castle ruins on a hill overlooking the district centre, with a history reaching back to the Urartian period. Because of its strategic location, it was used by various civilisations. Excavations at the foot of the castle have uncovered pottery fragments from several periods.
View on mapThe plateaus in the higher parts of the district, with their cool summer air and rich vegetation, are ideal for hiking. Traditional plateau life continues here. The area has an ecosystem of endemic plant species and butterfly diversity that interests naturalists.
View on mapWaterfalls cascading down the mountains around the district create a striking sight, especially during the snowmelt season. They are attractive spots for nature photographers. The humid environment around the waterfall creates a rich ecosystem of moss and ferns.
View on mapWhile you are in Mutki, you can also see the highlights of Bitlis province. These places are in other districts; Mutki is about 45 km from the provincial centre.
Büryan kebabı, prepared by slow-cooking lamb in an earth oven, is Mutki's best-known dish.
Çiğ köfte, made by kneading fine bulgur with spices, is an essential delicacy at guest tables in Mutki.
The plateau tradition continues in Mutki. In summer, families who migrate to the plateaus keep their traditional way of life.
The economy of Mutki is based on livestock farming and agriculture. Small livestock farming is the district's main source of income. Beekeeping and cereal production also contribute to the economy.
Mutki is 45 km from Bitlis city centre. Minibus services run from Bitlis. Because of the mountainous terrain, transport can become difficult in winter.
The three highlights of Mutki are: Mutki Castle Ruins, Mutki Plateaus and Mutki Waterfalls.
Büryan Kebabı and Çiğ Köfte are the standout dishes on tables in Mutki.
Mutki is known for Mutki Honey and its Plateau Tradition. The flower honey obtained from the high mountain plateaus is the most valuable natural product of Mutki.
Mutki is 45 km from Bitlis city centre. Minibus services run from Bitlis. Because of the mountainous terrain, transport can become difficult in winter.
Suggested visit time: half a day. Best time to visit: summer months.