Dishes you should try in Diyarbakır: Diyarbakır Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab), Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), Diyarbakır İçli Köftesi (stuffed bulgur dumplings) and Meftune (garlic and sumac vegetables). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Diyarbakır is famous for.

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Famous Dishes of Diyarbakır

  • Diyarbakır Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    A kebab with a registered geographical indication, in which lamb liver is cooked on a skewer with tail fat; it is also eaten for breakfast.

  • Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs)

    Lamb ribs stuffed with spiced rice; it is registered.

  • Diyarbakır İçli Köftesi (stuffed bulgur dumplings)

    İçli köfte with a registered geographical indication.

  • Meftune (garlic and sumac vegetables)

    Courgette, aubergine or broad bean meftune cooked with garlic and sumac; it is registered.

  • Diyarbakır Burma Kadayıfı (twisted kadayıf)

    A dessert with a registered geographical indication.

  • Lebeni (yoghurt soup)

    A soup made with yoghurt, with a registered geographical indication.

Local Specialities from the Districts of Diyarbakır

What to eat in Bağlar

  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    Lamb liver threaded on skewers and cooked over charcoal. It is served with lavash bread, onion and parsley.

  • İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)

    Bulgur dough is filled with minced meat, onion and walnuts, then boiled. It is one of the best-known dishes of Diyarbakır cuisine.

What to eat in Bismil

  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    Lamb liver threaded on skewers and cooked over charcoal. It is served in Bismil's traditional restaurants.

  • İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)

    Bulgur dough is filled with minced meat, onion and walnuts, then boiled. It is one of the best-known dishes of Bismil cuisine.

  • Kadayıf Dolması (walnut-filled kadayıf)

    Walnuts are placed inside fine kadayıf pastry, which is rolled, fried and soaked in syrup.

What to eat in Çermik

  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    Lamb liver threaded on skewers and cooked over charcoal. It is served in Çermik's traditional restaurants.

  • 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.

  • Kadayıf Dolması (walnut-filled kadayıf)

    Walnuts are placed inside fine kadayıf pastry, which is rolled, fried and soaked in syrup. Prepared by local people on special occasions, this delicacy is a symbol of hospitality.

What to eat in Çınar

  • 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.

  • 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. Prepared by local people on special occasions, it is a symbol of hospitality.

What to eat in Çüngüş

  • 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. Prepared by local people on special occasions, it is a symbol of hospitality.

  • 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. Being made with fresh and natural ingredients makes this dish a healthy choice.

  • Keşkek (wheat and meat porridge)

    Cracked wheat and meat are simmered for a long time and then pounded. Made with local ingredients, this dish reflects the region's gastronomic richness.

What to eat in Dicle

  • 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.

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

    Described as the most famous dish of the region.

What to eat in Eğil

  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    Prepared by skewering lamb liver and cooking it over charcoal. An important dish at local people's tables, it is made using traditional recipes. Passed down through generations, the recipe varies slightly in each household.

  • İçli Köfte (bulgur dumplings)

    Bulgur dough wrapped around minced meat, onion and walnuts, then boiled. Prepared using recipes passed down through generations, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture. It can be tasted in its most authentic form at local markets and home restaurants.

  • Kadayıf Dolması (walnut-filled kadayıf)

    Walnuts are placed inside fine kadayıf, rolled up, fried and soaked in syrup. Made with fresh and natural ingredients, it is a healthy option.

  • Üzüm Pekmezi (grape molasses)

    Grape molasses made from grape juice in Döşemeler village, which is part of Eğil.

  • Pestil and Cevizli Sucuk (pestil and walnut sausage)

    Pestil and walnut sausage made from a batter prepared with flour added.

What to eat in Ergani

  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    Lamb liver threaded on skewers and cooked over charcoal. It is served in Ergani's traditional restaurants.

  • İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)

    Bulgur dough is filled with minced meat, onion and walnuts, then boiled. It is one of the best-known dishes of Ergani cuisine.

What to eat in Hani

  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    Prepared by threading lamb liver onto skewers and grilling it over charcoal. This dish has an important place at local tables and is prepared using traditional recipes. Sold at local markets and home restaurants, it can be tasted in its most authentic form.

  • İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)

    Prepared by boiling bulgur dough with a filling of minced meat, onion and walnuts. Made from recipes passed down through generations, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture. Being prepared with seasonal ingredients means it offers a different flavour in every season.

  • Keşkek (wheat and meat porridge)

    Prepared by boiling crushed wheat and meat for a long time, then pounding them. Made with local ingredients, this dish reflects the region's gastronomic richness. A must at wedding feasts, keşkek is prepared communally.

What to eat in Hazro

  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    Prepared by threading lamb liver onto skewers and grilling it over charcoal. This dish has an important place at local tables and is prepared using traditional recipes. Its preparation with seasonal ingredients means it offers a different flavour in every season.

  • İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)

    Prepared by boiling bulgur dough with a filling of minced meat, onion and walnuts. Made from recipes passed down through generations, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture. As an important part of Hazro's gastronomic identity, it is a favourite with visitors.

  • Kadayıf Dolması (walnut-filled kadayıf)

    Thin kadayıf wrapped around walnuts into rolls, fried and soaked in syrup. The recipe, passed down through generations, varies in every household with small touches.

What to eat in Kayapınar

  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    Prepared by threading lamb liver onto skewers and grilling it over charcoal. It is also served in Kayapınar's modern restaurants.

  • İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)

    Prepared by boiling bulgur dough with a filling of minced meat, onion and walnuts. It is one of the best-known dishes of Diyarbakır cuisine. Prepared by local people on special occasions, it is a symbol of hospitality.

  • Kadayıf Dolması (walnut-filled kadayıf)

    Thin kadayıf wrapped around walnuts into rolls, fried and soaked in syrup. It is one of Diyarbakır's most famous desserts.

What to eat in Kocaköy

  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    Prepared by threading lamb liver onto skewers and grilling it over charcoal. This dish has an important place at local tables and is prepared using traditional recipes. As an important part of Kocaköy's gastronomic identity, it is a favourite with visitors.

  • İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)

    Prepared by boiling bulgur dough with a filling of minced meat, onion and walnuts. Made from recipes passed down through generations, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture. Prepared by local people on special occasions, it is a symbol of hospitality.

  • Keşkek (wheat and meat porridge)

    Prepared by boiling crushed wheat and meat for a long time, then pounding them. Made with local ingredients, this dish reflects the region's gastronomic richness. Pounding the wheat and boiling it with meat for hours is a process that requires patience.

What to eat in Kulp

  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    Prepared by threading lamb liver onto skewers and grilling it over charcoal. This dish has an important place at local tables and is prepared using traditional recipes. Prepared by local people on special occasions, it is a symbol of hospitality.

  • İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)

    Prepared by boiling bulgur dough with a filling of minced meat, onion and walnuts. Made from recipes passed down through generations, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture. Made with fresh, natural ingredients, it is a healthy option.

  • Keşkek (wheat and meat porridge)

    Prepared by boiling crushed wheat and meat for a long time, then pounding them. Made with local ingredients, this dish reflects the region's gastronomic richness. Serving it drizzled with melted butter is part of the tradition.

  • Kulp balığı (Kulp fish)

    In a district where people make their living from fishing in the Kulp River, Kulp fish stands out among the freshwater fish.

What to eat in Lice

  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    Prepared by threading lamb liver onto skewers and grilling it over charcoal. This dish has an important place at local tables and is prepared using traditional recipes. Made with fresh, natural ingredients, it is a healthy option.

  • İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)

    Prepared by boiling bulgur dough with a filling of minced meat, onion and walnuts. Made from recipes passed down through generations, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture. The recipe varies in every household with small touches.

  • Keşkek (wheat and meat porridge)

    Prepared by boiling crushed wheat and meat for a long time, then pounding them. Made with local ingredients, this dish reflects the region's gastronomic richness. Listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, keşkek is a source of pride in Turkish cuisine.

  • Çökelek (curd cheese)

    Çökelek and cheese are also mentioned among the sources of income.

What to eat in Silvan

  • Ciğer Kebabı

    Prepared by threading lamb liver on skewers and cooking it over charcoal. It is served in Silvan's traditional restaurants.

  • İçli Köfte

    Bulgur dough is boiled with a filling of minced meat, onion and walnuts. It is one of the best-known dishes of Silvan cuisine.

What to eat in Sur

  • Diyarbakır Karpuzu (Diyarbakır watermelon)

    Diyarbakır watermelons are famous for their huge size. Watermelons weighing over 50 kilograms become the symbol of the city in the summer months.

What to eat in Yenişehir

  • Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab)

    Prepared by threading lamb liver onto skewers and grilling it over charcoal. It is also served in Yenişehir's modern restaurants.

  • Kadayıf Dolması (walnut-filled kadayıf)

    Thin kadayıf wrapped around walnuts into rolls, fried and soaked in syrup. It is one of Diyarbakır's most famous desserts. Prepared by local people on special occasions, this dish is a symbol of hospitality.

What to Buy in Diyarbakır: Local Products

  • Diyarbakır Karpuzu (Diyarbakır watermelon) Large watermelon with a registered geographical indication.
  • Karacadağ Pirinci (Karacadağ rice) Rice with a registered geographical indication.
  • Diyarbakır Örgü Peyniri (Diyarbakır braided cheese) Cheese with a registered geographical indication.
  • Diyarbakır Hasır Bileziği (Diyarbakır straw bracelet) A handmade bracelet with a registered geographical indication.

What Diyarbakır Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions

  • City of literature

    Home town of Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı, Ahmed Arif, Süleyman Nazif and Ziya Gökalp.

  • Dengbêj tradition

    A tradition of oral storytelling and song; the city has a Dengbêj House.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat in Diyarbakır?

Diyarbakır is known for 6 local dishes, above all Diyarbakır Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab), Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), Diyarbakır İçli Köftesi (stuffed bulgur dumplings) and Meftune (garlic and sumac vegetables). A kebab with a registered geographical indication, in which lamb liver is cooked on a skewer with tail fat; it is also eaten for breakfast.

What is Diyarbakır famous for?

Diyarbakır is known for Diyarbakır Ciğer Kebabı (lamb liver kebab), Diyarbakır Karpuzu (Diyarbakır watermelon) and City of literature. Its best-known sights include Diyarbakır City Walls and Hevsel Gardens.

What to buy in Diyarbakır?

Local products and souvenirs to buy in Diyarbakır include Diyarbakır Karpuzu (Diyarbakır watermelon), Karacadağ Pirinci (Karacadağ rice), Diyarbakır Örgü Peyniri (Diyarbakır braided cheese) and Diyarbakır Hasır Bileziği (Diyarbakır straw bracelet).

Diyarbakır Travel Guide

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