Dishes you should try in Sur: Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), Diyarbakır Ciğer Kebabı (Diyarbakır lamb liver kebab), Meftune (aubergine, pepper and mince stew) and Diyarbakır Karpuzu (Diyarbakır watermelon). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Sur is famous for.

Share with friends

Last updated:

Famous Dishes of Sur

  • Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs)

    Lamb ribs are filled with a stuffing of rice, mince and spices, then baked in the oven. It is one of the most distinctive dishes of Diyarbakır cuisine.

  • Diyarbakır Ciğer Kebabı (Diyarbakır lamb liver kebab)

    Prepared by threading lamb liver onto skewers and grilling it over charcoal. Served with lavash bread, onion and parsley, this liver kebab can be tasted in the historic streets of Sur.

  • Meftune (aubergine, pepper and mince stew)

    Prepared by baking aubergine, pepper, tomato and mince in a clay pot (güveç). It is a vegetable dish specific to the summer months in Diyarbakır cuisine.

  • 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.

Dishes from Diyarbakır Cuisine

What to eat in Diyarbakır →

These dishes are known throughout Diyarbakır province; see the provincial food guide for details.

  • Diyarbakır İçli Köftesi (stuffed bulgur dumplings)

    İçli köfte with a registered geographical indication.

  • 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.

What to Buy in Sur: Local Products

  • Diyarbakır Karpuzu (Diyarbakır watermelon) Diyarbakır watermelon is world-famous for its large size and sweet aroma. Watermelons grown in the Hevsel Gardens can weigh over 50 kg.
  • Bakır İşlemeciliği (Copperwork) Copperwork has been practised for centuries in the historic bazaars of Sur. Handmade copper vessels, trays and decorative objects are produced.

What Sur Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions

  • Çok Kültürlü Miras (Multicultural Heritage)

    For thousands of years, Sur was home to different civilisations such as the Assyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Artuqids and Ottomans. Mosques, churches and historic buildings reflect this multicultural heritage.

  • Hevsel Bahçeleri (Hevsel Gardens)

    The Hevsel Gardens on the banks of the Tigris have been continuously farmed for 8,000 years. Placed under protection as part of the UNESCO World Heritage, the gardens are the green lungs of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat in Sur?

Sur is known for 4 local dishes, above all Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), Diyarbakır Ciğer Kebabı (Diyarbakır lamb liver kebab), Meftune (aubergine, pepper and mince stew) and Diyarbakır Karpuzu (Diyarbakır watermelon). Lamb ribs are filled with a stuffing of rice, mince and spices, then baked in the oven. It is one of the most distinctive dishes of Diyarbakır cuisine.

What is Sur famous for?

Sur is known for Kaburga Dolması (stuffed lamb ribs), Diyarbakır Karpuzu (Diyarbakır watermelon) and Çok Kültürlü Miras (Multicultural Heritage). Its best-known sights include Diyarbakır Surları ve Hevsel Bahçeleri (Diyarbakır City Walls and Hevsel Gardens) and Diyarbakır Ulu Camii (Diyarbakır Grand Mosque).

What to buy in Sur?

Local products and souvenirs to buy in Sur include Diyarbakır Karpuzu (Diyarbakır watermelon) and Bakır İşlemeciliği (Copperwork).

Sur Travel Guide

What to Eat in Other Districts of Diyarbakır

Search 81 province guides and 968 district guides.