6 places to visit in the Silvan district of Diyarbakır: Silvan Castle, Malabadi Bridge and Hasuni Caves. Plan your trip to Silvan with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Silvan is one of the districts of Diyarbakır, located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region.
History
Silvan is described as the city of Tigranakert, founded by Great Dikran and the capital of the Armenian Kingdom in the 70th century BC. Silvan was the capital of the Marwanids in the 10th and 11th centuries. The name Silvan comes from the name of the Süleymanî Kurdish beys’ dynasty, who once ruled in Miyafarkin.
Geography
Silvan district is bordered by the central district of Diyarbakır and Hazro to the west, Lice and Kulp to the north, Batman province to the east and Bismil district to the south. The Albat Mountains, rising to 1,500 metres, stretch behind Silvan.
Climate
Silvan has a continental climate, and summers are very hot. The highest temperature recorded was 46.2° on 21 July 1937, and the lowest temperature was −24.2° on 11 January 1933.
Economy
Among the agricultural products grown are tobacco, wheat, chickpeas and cotton, and in recent years maize production has increased very rapidly. In livestock rearing, small and large livestock are kept.
History and Culture
Silvan is known as Tigranokerta, founded by Great Tigran. Silvan was conquered in 639 during the reign of Caliph Umar by Iyaz Bin Ganm. Silvan became the capital of the Marwanid State under the name Meyyefarkin. On 14 April 1916, Atatürk was promoted to the rank of Mirliva at the 16th Corps Headquarters located in Silvan.
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