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6 places to visit in the Hani district of Diyarbakır: Şeyh Ahmed Efendi Tomb, Hani Castle and Hani Grand Mosque. Plan your trip to Hani with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Hani is a district of Diyarbakır province, formerly known as îneı. The district covers 436 km² and its elevation is 891 metres. A mountainous area, Hani has a rich historical heritage, with the Artuqid-era Hatuniye Madrasa, the Ayn-Kebir Water Source, the Yasin Minaret and the Cafer-i Tayyar shrine (yatır).

History

The earliest information about Hani, a district with a very ancient history, dates from the 8th century BC, when it was the scene of major conflicts between the Urartian state and the Assyrians. In 1280 BC, the Nirbi, who were defeated and dispersed in a battle with the Assyrian ruler Shalmaneser I, had their settlement centre here. In 1875, Hani was a subdistrict of Palu; it was later attached to Lice, and a municipality was established in 1878.

The Hani Grand Mosque is a Seljuk work believed to have been built in the 15th century, and is also known as the Red Church (Kızıl Kilise). The Hatuniye Madrasa is believed to have been built in the 13th century by Zeynep Hanım, mother of Sancar Şahin. The Aynkebir Pool is a large pool between the Grand Mosque and the Hatuniye Madrasa. The Aynkeris Healing Spring is 2 km from the district centre and receives around 10,000 visitors a year. The Koki Çayı Picnic Area is 8 km from the district centre, where there is plenty of trout in the bubbling water.

History and Culture

Hani has been the scene of major conflicts between the Urartian and Assyrian states. Hani gained district status in 1958 when it was attached to Diyarbakır province. After the Battle of Malazgirt, the region began to come under Turkish rule.

Key Facts

Hani is a mountainous settlement on the Bingöl–Diyarbakır highway, 90 km north-east of Diyarbakır. The Hatuniye Madrasa, believed to have been built in the 13th century, is in Hani district.

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Places to Visit in Hani

  • 2 Historic
  • 2 Religious
  • 1 Nature
  • 1 Attraction
Religious

Şeyh Ahmed Efendi Tomb

The tomb of Şehabeddin Ahmet, the younger son of Mevlana Halid Ziyâeddin, founder of the Halidi Order, who died in 1823.

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Historic

Hani Castle

The castle ruins on the hill in the district centre date from the Byzantine and Seljuk periods. The castle offers views of the district centre and the surrounding mountains.

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Religious

Hani Grand Mosque

Built in the Ottoman period, the Grand Mosque is the oldest place of worship in the district. It is notable for its basalt stone architecture. The calligraphic decoration on its mihrab and its wooden minbar are remarkable works of art.

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Nature

Hani Çevresi Doğal Alanlar

The mountainous areas around the district are suitable for hiking and picnics.

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Historic

Hatuniye Madrasa

The madrasa is believed to have been built in the 13th century by Zeynep Hanım, mother of Sancar Şahin.

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Attraction

Aynkebir Havuzu

A large water pool between the Grand Mosque and the Hatuniye Madrasa.

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Places to Visit Around Diyarbakır Province

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While you are in Hani, you can also see the highlights of Diyarbakır province. These places are in other districts; Hani is about 70 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 Hani

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

What to Eat in Hani

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  • 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.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Hani

  • Han Geleneği (Caravanserai Tradition)

    The district's name comes from the hans (caravanserais) on the caravan routes throughout history. Hani was an important stopping point where trade caravans stayed.

  • Geleneksel Yaşam (Traditional Way of Life)

    Traditional farming and livestock culture is maintained in Hani. This cultural element, which strengthens social bonds, remains an important part of the region's social life.

Local Products

  • Buğday ve Arpa (Wheat and Barley) — Wheat and barley are grown on the plains of Hani.
  • Hayvancılık Ürünleri (Livestock Products) — Small livestock farming takes place in the district. Milk and dairy production is an important source of income.

Economy

Hani's economy is based on agriculture and livestock. Wheat, barley and lentils are the main agricultural products. Small livestock farming is an important source of livelihood.

How to Get to Hani

Hani is 70 km from Diyarbakır city centre. Minibus services run from Diyarbakır.

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Hani: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Hani?

The top 6 places in Hani: Şeyh Ahmed Efendi Tomb, Hani Castle, Hani Grand Mosque, Hani Çevresi Doğal Alanlar, Hatuniye Madrasa and Aynkebir Havuzu.

What should I eat in Hani?

Ciğer Kebabı, İçli Köfte and Keşkek are the standout dishes on Hani's tables.

What is Hani famous for?

Hani is known for Wheat and Barley and the Caravanserai Tradition. Wheat and barley are grown on the plains of Hani.

How do I get to Hani?

Hani is 70 km from Diyarbakır city centre. Minibus services run from Diyarbakır.

How much time should I set aside for a trip to Hani?

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

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