5 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.

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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.

History

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.

Economy

The district’s people make their living from farming and livestock, with small livestock farming taking the lead.

Industry and Mines

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.

History and Culture

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.

Key Facts

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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Places to Visit in Dicle

  • 3 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 1 Nature
Nature

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.

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Historic

Dicle Castle

The 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.

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Religious

Dicle Grand Mosque

The 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.

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Historic

Kral Kızı Taşı

A rock in Gölbaşı village, with a mausoleum known as the Princess's Tomb legend on it.

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Historic

Gölbaşı Piranit

A pyramid-shaped rock monument with a figure carved into the rock, near Gölbaşı village in the Kral Kızı area.

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Places to Visit Around Diyarbakır Province

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While 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.

  • Diyarbakır City Walls — Black basalt walls made up of the Inner Castle and the Outer Castle; the Dağ Kapı (Harput Gate), Urfa Kapı, Mardin Kapı and Yeni Kapı are the main entrances.
  • Hevsel Gardens — About 700 hectares of farmland between the walls and the Tigris; with more than 180 bird species, it is the largest bird paradise in Southeastern Anatolia.
  • Diyarbakır Grand Mosque — A mosque formed in 639 when the city's largest church was converted into a mosque and repaired in 1091 under Malik-Shah; it is considered the Anatolian counterpart of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus and is known in the Islamic world as the 'fifth sacred sanctuary' (beşinci harem-i şerif).
  • Ten-Eyed Bridge (Tigris Bridge) — A ten-arched basalt bridge over the Tigris, 3 km south of Mardin Kapı, built in 1065 in the Marwanid period according to its inscription; it links the city with Bağıvar.
  • Hasan Paşa Caravanserai — Opposite the Grand Mosque, a caravanserai with black-and-white stone banding, built in 1572–1575 by Governor Hasan Paşa, son of Sokullu Mehmet Paşa; today its courtyard breakfast rooms make it the city's meeting place.
  • Four-Legged Minaret (Şeyh Mutahhar Mosque) — The minaret of the mosque built in 1500 by the Aq Qoyunlu ruler Kasım Bey, rising on four monolithic stone columns; it is the only example in Anatolia.

Practical Information for Visiting Dicle

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Dicle

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  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    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.

  • İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)

    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.

  • Meftune (aubergine, pepper and mince casserole)

    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.

  • Patira (patila) (Dicle's famous dish)

    Described as the most famous dish of the region.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Dicle

  • Dicle Nehri Kültürü

    The district takes its name from the Dicle River. Throughout history the river has shaped the farming, transport and cultural life of the region.

  • Geleneksel Yaşam

    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.

Local Products

  • Buğday — Wheat is farmed in the plain areas of the district.
  • Hayvancılık Ürünleri — Small livestock farming is carried out in Dicle. Milk and dairy production is an important source of income.

Economy

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.

How to Get to Dicle

Dicle is 60 km from Diyarbakır city centre. Minibus services run from Diyarbakır.

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Dicle: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Dicle?

The highlights of Dicle are 5 places: Dicle Valley, Dicle Castle, Dicle Grand Mosque, Kral Kızı Stone and Gölbaşı Pyramid rock.

What should I eat in Dicle?

Ciğer Kebabı, İçli Köfte, Meftune and Patira (patila) are the standout dishes on Dicle tables.

What is Dicle famous for?

Dicle is known for wheat and the Dicle River culture. Wheat is farmed in the plain areas of the district.

How do I get to Dicle?

Dicle is 60 km from Diyarbakır city centre. Minibus services run from Diyarbakır.

How much time should I allow for a visit to Dicle?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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