Kurtalan Station
The station at the end of the Haydarpaşa–Kurtalan railway line is an important infrastructure element of the district centre.
View on map7 places to visit in the Kurtalan district of Siirt: Kurtalan Station, Erzen and Zokarno. Plan your trip to Kurtalan with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Kurtalan is a district of Siirt province in the Dicle section of the Southeastern Anatolia Region. Located on the road linking Siirt city centre with Batman and Diyarbakır, the district is the last station on the Haydarpaşa–Kurtalan railway line.
History
It is believed to have been founded about 150 years ago by members of the Malâ Faro tribe, who lived at the Gedikbaşı (Batasê) hamlet of Oyacık (Teylan) village.
Culture
In historical, cultural and sociological terms, Kurtalan is a fine city of Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilisation, and its people are praised for their hospitality. The district’s traditions and customs are inspired by the culture common in the region. Kurtalan kilims, dyed with natural roots, are famous.
Geography
To the east of Kurtalan lies Siirt Central district, to the west Beşiri district, to the south-west Hasankeyf district and to the north Baykan district. The land is mostly undulating and rugged, with bare ridges and valleys and, in places, wide plains. The Garzan River and its tributaries, which rise in the Sason Mountains, form broad valleys suitable for irrigated farming. To the south stand Dilek Hill (Kozdağ), at 1,530 metres, and Garzan Mountain, at 1,050 metres.
Climate and Population
Summers are hot and dry, and winters are relatively mild, with most rainfall falling in spring. Of the population, 38,165 live in the district centre and the remaining 24,068 live in villages and towns, and the village population is steadily declining.
Education and Culture
Kurtalan has more than 100 schools and educational facilities, including 69 primary schools, 24 middle schools, 8 high schools and 1 college. Kurtalan Vocational School operates under Siirt University.
History and Culture
According to one source, around 1500 Kurtalan was within the lands of the Şerefhan Principality and later came under Ottoman rule. Kurtalan was one of the old districts of Siirt under the name Garzan. In 1938, by law, the district’s name was changed to Kurtalan and its seat was set at Mısrıç village. The Kurtalan Express made its first journey on 29 October 1944. The mound at Çayırlı village was settled in the Chalcolithic Age and is still inhabited today. Kurtalan kilims are known for their natural root dyes.
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