Things to Do in Derecik: 4 Places to Visit

Places to Visit in Derecik

i Photo: Semsûrî (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source

1 🌳 Nature

Derecik Valley

The stream valley that gives the district its name, with lush vegetation and mountain views, makes a suitable route for nature walks.

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2 🌳 Nature

Derecik Mountains

The high mountains surrounding the district offer routes suitable for trekking and mountaineering. Plateau farming is practised in summer. From the summit, the district centre and surrounding villages can be seen from above.

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3 🌳 Nature

Balkaya Wind Cave

A cave on Balkaya (Govend) Mountain in Derecik town, discovered by mountaineers. According to reports, it is known as the Wind Cave because a constant wind blows at its entrance.

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4 🌳 Nature

Balkayalar Mountain

A mountain in Derecik district; according to the municipality's website, one of the most striking mountains in the region.

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While you are in Derecik, you can also see the highlights of Hakkari province. These places are in other districts; Derecik is about 60 km from the provincial centre.

• Cilo Mountain and Uludoruk — A mountain massif whose summits are covered in ice all year round and which includes Uludoruk (Reşko, 4,135 m), Türkiye's second-highest peak; with its five separate glaciers and jagged rocky peaks it is one of the most impressive mountaineering areas in Türkiye.
• Cilo and Sat Mountains National Park — Declared Türkiye's 45th national park on 25 September 2020, the area spreads across the Merkez, Şemdinli and Yüksekova districts and is protected for its glacial lakes, glacial valleys and endemic plants.
• Hakkâri Stelae — 13 stone stelae found in 1998 at the northern foot of Hakkâri Castle and dated to the 15th–11th centuries BC; the slabs, 0.7–3.1 metres high, are carved with warriors carrying daggers, spears and axes, and with female figures.
• Zap Valley — A deep valley cut through the Hakkâri mountains by the Zap River; the Van–Hakkâri road and the road to Çukurca follow this valley.
• Berçelan Plateau — A highland pasture (yayla) near the city centre where nomads pitch their tents in summer; with its streams, flowery meadows and a highland festival held every summer, it is the most easily reached nature area in Hakkâri.
• Meydan Madrasa — A madrasa from the period of the Hakkâri Principality in the centre of Hakkâri; it is the city's most important surviving historic building.

Practical Information for Visiting Derecik

Suggested time

Half a day

Best time to visit

Summer months (June to September)

Places to visit

4 places

• 🍖

  Derecik Kebabı (charcoal-grilled lamb kebab)

  A regional kebab made by seasoning lamb with special spices and cooking it over charcoal. It is Derecik's traditional dish.

• 🍞

  Tandır Ekmeği (clay-oven bread)

  Bread baked in a clay tandır oven, the staple of Derecik's everyday cooking.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Derecik

• 🏡

  Mountain Village Life

  Derecik lies in the mountainous interior of Hakkari and maintains traditional mountain village life. Livestock farming and plateau farming are the basic way of life in the region.

Local Products

• Derecik Honey — Honey obtained from mountain flowers, known for its organic character.
• Çeçil Cheese — Çeçil cheese made by traditional methods, a valued dairy product of the region.

Economy

Derecik's economy is based on livestock farming. Small livestock farming is the main source of livelihood. Cross-border trade is also important.

How to Get to Derecik

Derecik is approximately 60 km from Hakkari city centre. It is reached by road. Yüksekova Airport is approximately 100 km away.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Hakkari

Derecik: Frequently Asked Questions

Continue Your Trip

• 🍽️ What to Eat in Derecik Famous dishes and local products →
• 🗺️ Things to Do in Hakkari The province's 9 best places and all its districts →

Other Districts of Hakkari

• Hakkari Central District 9 places Hakkâri Castle, Meydan Madrasa and Hakkari Castle
• Çukurca 5 places Emir Şaban Mosque, Zap Stream Canyon and Çukurca Waterfalls
• Şemdinli 8 places Bağlar Köprüsü (Bağlar Bridge), Kara Kilise (Kara Church) and Şemdinli Yaylaları (Şemdinli Plateaus)
• Yüksekova 8 places Ters Laleler (Ters tulips), Mount Cilo and Reşko Peak and Sat Lakes