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5 places to visit in the Baykan district of Siirt: Veysel Karani Tomb, Baykan Castle and Baykan Valley. Plan your trip to Baykan with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Baykan district was established on 20 May 1938 by Law No. 3393, in Tütenocak, which is currently a village attached to the district centre. In 1949 the district centre was moved to the place known as the ‘Havil Caravanserais’, on the historic Diyarbakır–Bitlis state highway. The district was later renamed Baykan.

Culture

Baykan is famous for the Veysel Karani Tomb, and commemoration events for Veysel Karani are held during Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha).

History and Culture

Baykan district was established in Tütenocak by Law No. 3393 dated 20 May 1938.

History and Culture

The date of the first construction of the Veysel Karani Tomb complex is unknown. Evliya Çelebi, in his Seyahatname (Book of Travels), referred to the building as Mescid-i Üveys-i Karani. The tomb is a place of pilgrimage where commemoration events for Veysel Karani are held every year. Baykan has historic sites such as the Veysel Karani Tomb, the Şeyh Osman Tomb, the Dört Ulular Bridge and Adak Castle.

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Places to Visit in Baykan

  • 2 Historic
  • 2 Religious
  • 1 Nature
Religious

Veysel Karani Tomb

The tomb in the town of Veyselkarani in Baykan, which hosts commemoration events during Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha).

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Historic

Baykan Castle

The castle ruins on the hill above the district centre date from the Artuqid period.

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Nature

Baykan Valley

The valley stretching along the stream that runs through the district, with rocky slopes and green vegetation, is a suitable route for nature walks.

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Historic

Havil Caravanserais

A historic caravanserai on the Diyarbakır–Bitlis road. In 1949 the district centre was moved to this place.

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Religious

Veysel Karani Tomb Complex

A tomb in Baykan district which, together with the mosque beside it, forms a complex.

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Places to Visit Around Siirt Province

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

  • Siirt Grand Mosque — A mosque in the historic centre of the city whose original construction date is unknown; it was repaired in 1129 by the Iraq Seljuk ruler Muğîsüddin Mahmûd and in 1260 by Mücâhid İshak, one of the atabegs.
  • Botan Valley — The valley carved by the Botan Stream, a tributary of the Tigris; it gave its name to the historic region and to the Botan Principality, and is also mentioned in Xenophon's Anabasis.
  • Tillo (Aydınlar) — A district at 1,417 metres, which was one of the leading centres of madrasa culture in Eastern Anatolia.
  • Pervari and Mount Herekol — A high district in the north-east of Siirt; Mount Herekol lies within the district boundaries, and Pervari is known for its honey.
  • Şirvan — A district 26 km from Siirt at 1,002 metres, known for the zivzik pomegranates, molasses and trout farms of Dişlinar village; there are two historic churches in the district.
  • Güney Kurtalan Express — A main-line train with sleeping and dining cars, running five days a week on the Ankara–Kurtalan line and ending at Kurtalan.

Practical Information for Visiting Baykan

Suggested time
Half a day to 1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Baykan

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  • Büryan Kebabı (lamb cooked in a tandır)

    Lamb slowly cooked in a tandır oven, served in Baykan in the traditional way.

  • Perde Pilavı (rice wrapped in yufka pastry)

    Rice wrapped in yufka dough, prepared with chicken and almonds. Made from recipes passed down through generations, it is an important part of the local food culture.

  • Siirt Büryan Kebabı (pit-cooked kebab from Siirt)

    A local kebab cooked in a pit, one of the best-known dishes of Siirt.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Baykan

  • Veysel Karani Tradition

    The Veysel Karani Tomb forms the foundation of Baykan's cultural and religious identity. The commemoration events held every year are the district's most important cultural event.

Local Products

  • Siirt Fıstığı (Siirt pistachios) — Siirt pistachios grown around Baykan are known for their small size and intense aroma.

Economy

Baykan's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Wheat, barley and pistachios are the main crops. Religious tourism is an important source of income.

How to Get to Baykan

Baykan is 60 km from Siirt city centre and 40 km from Bitlis. The D-975 state highway passes through the district.

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Baykan: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Baykan?

The 5 standout places in Baykan are Veysel Karani Tomb, Baykan Castle, Baykan Valley, Havil Caravanserais and Veysel Karani Tomb Complex.

What is there to eat in Baykan?

Büryan Kebabı, Perde Pilavı and Siirt Büryan Kebabı are the standout dishes on Baykan's tables.

What is Baykan famous for?

Baykan is known for Siirt Pistachios and the Veysel Karani Tradition. Siirt pistachios grown around Baykan are known for their small size and intense aroma.

How do I get to Baykan?

Baykan is 60 km from Siirt city centre and 40 km from Bitlis. The D-975 state highway passes through the district.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Baykan?

Suggested visit length: half a day to 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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