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4 places to visit in the Beytüşşebap district of Şırnak: Beytüşşebap Valleys, Beytüşşebap Plateaus and Zümrüt Thermal Baths. Plan your trip to Beytüşşebap with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Beytüşşebap is a district of Şırnak province. The district lies about 20 km from the Iraqi and Syrian borders in the south-east of Türkiye’s Southeastern Anatolia Region. Habur Creek, which gives its name to the Habur border gate, rises within the boundaries of Beytüşşebap. The district covers an area of 1,647 km².

Etymology

As a word, Beytüşşebap is an Arabic compound name derived from the words Beyt and Şebap, and means the house of the young men. According to other sources, the name Beytüşşebap comes from Syriac, meaning beth şabath (place of the Sabbath). The original Beytüşşebap that gave its name to the district is today the village of Hisarkapı.

History

Over the course of history the district was ruled by the Hurrians, Mitanni, Assyrians and Urartians. It came under Seljuk rule in 1054 and Ottoman rule in 1514. Attached to Erzurum province in 1855 and to Van province in 1865, Beytüşşebap became a district in 1887. After the proclamation of the Republic it was attached to Siirt in 1926, to Hakkari in 1936, and to Şırnak in 1990.

Geography

The district has a mountainous terrain; it is bordered by Hakkari to the east, Siirt-Pervari to the west, Van-Çatak to the north, and Hakkari-Çukurca and Şırnak-Uludere to the south. The Altın Mountains to the east of the district and the Tanin Mountain to the west intersect within the district boundaries. The Kato Plateau is located in the district. The average elevation of the district centre above sea level is 2,566 metres; the highest point of the district is the Kato Plateau, which exceeds 3,000 metres. The district’s climate has the harsh characteristics of Eastern Anatolia.

Population

The 2020 population of Beytüşşebap district is 16,317. The population of the district centre is 5,690, and the total population of the towns and villages is 10,627.

History and Culture

Beytüşşebap became a district in 1887, after being attached to the provinces of Erzurum and Van in 1855 and 1865. Throughout history the district was ruled by the Hurrians, Mitanni, Assyrians and Urartians. The name Beytüşşebap comes from the Arabic words ‘Beyt’ and ‘Şebap’.

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Places to Visit in Beytüşşebap

  • 3 Nature
  • 1 Attraction
Nature

Beytüşşebap Valleys

The deep valleys surrounding the district, with their rocky slopes and natural vegetation, are striking. The stream running at the bottom of the valley forms a natural pool where people can cool off in the summer.

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Nature

Beytüşşebap Plateaus

The plateaus in the upper parts of the district are favoured in the summer for their cool air and natural beauty. Each summer the local people hold traditional plateau festivals to keep their cultural heritage alive.

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Attraction

Zümrüt Thermal Baths

In Ilıcak village, a thermal bath with water at 39 degrees; it is said to be good for skin, kidney and rheumatism conditions.

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Nature

Habur Creek

The most important watercourse of the district; it gives its name to the Habur border gate.

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Places to Visit Around Şırnak Province

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While you are in Beytüşşebap, you can also see the highlights of Şırnak province. These places are in other districts; Beytüşşebap is about 100 km from the provincial centre.

  • Mount Cudi — A mountain 2,144 metres high in the Silopi district; in Early Christian and Islamic tradition it is named as the place where Noah's Ark landed after the Flood.
  • Tigris River and Cizre — Cizre lies on the right bank of the Tigris, where the river bends and forms a water island; its name comes from the Arabic word jazira, meaning 'island'.
  • Cizre Castle — A ruined castle on the bank of the Tigris, made up of an inner and an outer fortress.
  • Cizre Grand Mosque — A historic mosque in the Dağkapı neighbourhood, thought to have been converted from a church in the 7th century; its round-bodied minaret was built in 1155. Its bronze door is among the important works of the art of carving.
  • Silopi and Yankale — Silopi (517 m) was a settlement attached to ancient Nineveh; the hamlet of Yankale has the remains of an Assyrian-period castle.
  • Beytüşşebap — A high-altitude district covering 1,647 km². The Habur Stream, which gives its name to the Habur Border Gate, rises here, and there is a hot spring.

Practical Information for Visiting Beytüşşebap

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and summer
Places to visit
4 places

What to Eat in Beytüşşebap

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  • Beytüşşebap Honey

    Beytüşşebap Honey was registered as a protected geographical indication on 8 May 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no: 1738). Product group: honey. Registered by: Beytüşşebap District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.

  • Beytüşşebap Sehleber Kebabı

    A product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Beytüşşebap

  • Rural Way of Life Tradition

    Beytüşşebap is a district that keeps up its traditional rural way of life. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local people's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Beytüşşebap Jirki Kilim — Beytüşşebap Jirki Kilim was registered as a protected geographical indication on 15 April 2024 (TÜRKPATENT registration no: 1568). Product group: carpets and kilims. Registered by: Beytüşşebap District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.
  • Honey — Flower honey gathered from Beytüşşebap's mountainous areas, known for its natural and aromatic character.

Economy

Beytüşşebap's economy is based on livestock farming and agriculture. Small livestock farming is the main source of livelihood.

How to Get to Beytüşşebap

Beytüşşebap is 100 km from Şırnak city centre and 80 km from Hakkari.

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Beytüşşebap: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Beytüşşebap?

The 4 highlights of Beytüşşebap: Beytüşşebap Valleys, Beytüşşebap Plateaus, Zümrüt Thermal Baths and Habur Creek.

What is there to eat in Beytüşşebap?

Beytüşşebap Honey and Beytüşşebap Sehleber Kebabı are the standout flavours on Beytüşşebap's tables.

What is Beytüşşebap famous for?

Beytüşşebap is known for Beytüşşebap Jirki Kilim and its rural way of life tradition. It is registered with TÜRKPATENT as a geographical indication product.

How do I get to Beytüşşebap?

Beytüşşebap is 100 km from Şırnak city centre and 80 km from Hakkari.

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

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

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