Dicle Valley
The district takes its name from the Dicle River. The deep valleys and rocky slopes formed by the river offer striking natural scenery.
View on map5 places to visit in the Dicle district of Diyarbakır: Dicle Valley, Dicle Castle and Dicle Grand Mosque. Plan your trip to Dicle with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Dicle is 92 kilometres from Diyarbakır city centre, but thanks to the Eğil–Dicle Highway built in 2013, the distance has been reduced to 68 kilometres. Much of its land is mountainous and forested.
The district’s former name was “Piran”, and it first came to prominence as the centre of the Eğil principality. During the Ottoman Empire, it became a centre for scholars and sheikhs of the country, and the town was given the name Piran.
The district’s people make their living from farming and livestock, with small livestock farming taking the lead.
Small-scale repair shops, flour mills and marble workshops are the district’s main industrial branches. Lead, zinc and marble are mined in the district.
Dicle’s former name was Piran, and it first came to prominence as the centre of the Eğil principality. Dicle was the centre of the Sheikh Said Rebellion.
The first structure with a fortress function is believed to have been built by the Hurrians, who dominated the region around 3000 BC. It is understood that during the time of Nizâmüddevle Nasr of the Marwanids, the architect Ubeyd was commissioned by Kadı Ebü’l-Hasan Abdülvâhid to build it in 1064–65. The founding of Dicle University in 1973 made an important contribution to the development of Diyarbakır in education and culture.
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The district takes its name from the Dicle River. The deep valleys and rocky slopes formed by the river offer striking natural scenery.
View on mapThe castle ruins on the hill in the district centre date from various periods. Views of the district centre and the surrounding valleys can be enjoyed from the castle.
View on mapThe Grand Mosque, built in the Ottoman period, is the oldest place of worship in the district. This work, which bears traces of traditional building techniques, reflects the spiritual values of the region.
View on mapA rock in Gölbaşı village, with a mausoleum known as the Princess's Tomb legend on it.
View on mapA pyramid-shaped rock monument with a figure carved into the rock, near Gölbaşı village in the Kral Kızı area.
View on mapWhile you are in Dicle, you can also see the highlights of Diyarbakır province. These places are in other districts; Dicle is about 60 km from the provincial centre.
Lamb liver threaded on skewers and cooked over charcoal. This dish holds an important place on local tables and is prepared using traditional recipes. Made with fresh and natural ingredients, it is a healthy choice.
Bulgur dough is filled with minced meat, onion and walnuts, then boiled. Prepared from recipes passed from generation to generation, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture. Each family's version of the recipe differs slightly.
Aubergine, pepper, tomato and minced meat are cooked together in a casserole. Made with local ingredients, this dish reflects the region's gastronomic richness. Prepared by local people on special occasions, it is a symbol of hospitality.
Described as the most famous dish of the region.
The district takes its name from the Dicle River. Throughout history the river has shaped the farming, transport and cultural life of the region.
Traditional farming and livestock culture continues in Dicle. This cultural element, which strengthens social bonds, holds an important place in the social life of the region.
Dicle's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Wheat, barley and lentils are the main agricultural products. Small livestock farming is an important source of income.
Dicle is 60 km from Diyarbakır city centre. Minibus services run from Diyarbakır.
The highlights of Dicle are 5 places: Dicle Valley, Dicle Castle, Dicle Grand Mosque, Kral Kızı Stone and Gölbaşı Pyramid rock.
Ciğer Kebabı, İçli Köfte, Meftune and Patira (patila) are the standout dishes on Dicle tables.
Dicle is known for wheat and the Dicle River culture. Wheat is farmed in the plain areas of the district.
Dicle is 60 km from Diyarbakır city centre. Minibus services run from Diyarbakır.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.