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11 places to visit in the Cizre district of Şırnak: Banks of the Tigris River, Prophet Noah Mosque and Tomb and Cizre Grand Mosque. Plan your trip to Cizre with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Geographical Location and Population

Cizre is a district of Şırnak province, founded on the right bank of the Tigris River. The district covers an area of 444 km² and has a population of 166,290. The district centre lies at an average elevation of 380 metres above sea level.

History

According to historical accounts, settlement in Cizre dates back before the Great Flood of Noah. From the beginning of the Republican period until 1990 Cizre was attached to Mardin province; on 16 May 1990 it was attached to Şırnak.

Name and Meaning

The Arabic word ‘cezire’, meaning ‘island’, is the source of the district’s name, because the Tigris bends here and forms a river island.

History and Culture

Cizre was attached to Mardin during the Republican period and was attached to Şırnak in 1990. The Red Madrasa was built by Cizre Bey Emîr II. Şeref. The Cizre Grand Mosque was built between 1155 and 1160 during the period of the Atabegs of Mosul. The Red Madrasa takes its name from being built of red bricks. The Hamidiye Barracks Building was commissioned by Mustafa Paşa, chief of the Miran tribe of Cizre. Ebu’l-İz El Cezeri was a scientist and engineer known for his designs of automata and water clocks.

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Places to Visit in Cizre

  • 7 Historic
  • 3 Religious
  • 1 Nature

Historic Sites 7

Historic

Mem and Zin Tomb

The tomb of Mem and Zin, known as the Kurdish Romeo and Juliet of literature, is Cizre's best-known cultural symbol.

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Historic

Red Madrasa

A complex built during the Cizre Principality, consisting of a madrasa, a mosque and a tomb, on the city wall remains to the west of the city.

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Historic

Ebu'l-İz El Cezeri Tomb

The tomb of the scientist, known for his designs of automata and water clocks, located in the Noah Mosque complex.

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Historic

Cizre Castle

A castle on the bank of the Tigris River, consisting of an outer castle and an inner castle, whose construction has been traced from the Roman period onwards.

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Historic

Yafes Bridge

A ruined Seljuk-period bridge which, because the Tigris changed its course, now lies within the borders of Syria.

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Historic

Abdaliye Madrasa

The remains of a madrasa dated 1437, located within the cemetery in Dağkapı Neighbourhood.

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Historic

Katip Yusuf House

A traditional single-storey residence built of basalt stone, with a courtyard, in Dağkapı Neighbourhood.

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Religious Buildings 3

Religious

Prophet Noah Mosque and Tomb

A structure believed to be the tomb of Prophet Noah, it is one of the important places of visit in the Islamic world. The mosque and tomb complex has been restored and opened to visitors.

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Religious

Cizre Grand Mosque

A mosque built in the 12th century, an important religious structure from the Artuqid period. It stands out for its minaret and stonework.

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Religious

Prophet Noah Mosque

A mosque where the grave of the Prophet Noah is believed to be; part of the Noah Mosque complex.

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Natural Wonders 1

Nature

Banks of the Tigris River

An important river that surrounds and borders the district where it was founded.

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Places to Visit Around Şırnak Province

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While you are in Cizre, you can also see the highlights of Şırnak province. These places are in other districts; Cizre is about 50 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'.
  • 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.
  • Uludere — A mountain district at 1,226 metres, with a 56 km border with Iraq.

Practical Information for Visiting Cizre

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
11 places

What to Eat in Cizre

Food guide →

  • Cizre Luzine Sweet

    Cizre Luzine Sweet was registered as a protected geographical indication on 27 October 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no: 939). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Cizre District Governorship.

  • Cizre Kebabı

    Prepared by marinating lamb in special spices and cooking it on a charcoal grill.

  • Keledoş

    A traditional soup made with lentils, bulgur and yoghurt, it is the staple dish of the winter months. The recipe, passed down through generations, varies slightly in every family.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Cizre

  • Mem and Zin Legend

    The Mem and Zin epic written by the 17th-century Kurdish poet Ahmed-i Hani forms the foundation of Cizre's cultural identity.

  • Islamic Scientific Heritage

    Cizre is the homeland of the 12th-century engineer İsmail el-Cezeri. A pioneer in automata and robotics, el-Cezeri is a symbol of the district's scientific heritage.

Local Products

  • Cizre Bırınczer — Cizre Bırınczer was registered as a protected geographical indication on 22 December 2023 (TÜRKPATENT registration no: 1509). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Cizre District Governorship.
  • Cizre Leyminete — Cizre Leyminete was registered as a protected geographical indication on 20 May 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no: 1742). Product group: non-alcoholic beverages. Registered by: Cizre District Governorship.
  • Cizre Memilheva Biscuit — Cizre Memilheva Biscuit was registered as a protected geographical indication on 3 February 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no: 661). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Cizre District Governorship.
  • Cizre Meyre — Cizre Meyre was registered as a protected geographical indication on 8 September 2023 (TÜRKPATENT registration no: 1465). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Cizre District Governorship.

Economy

Cizre's economy is based on trade, agriculture and border trade. Its proximity to the Iraqi border is an advantage for trade.

How to Get to Cizre

Cizre is 50 km from Şırnak city centre. Şırnak Airport is 60 km away. The Iraqi border (Habur) is 60 km away.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Şırnak

Cizre: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Cizre?

The 11 highlights of Cizre: Banks of the Tigris River, Prophet Noah Mosque and Tomb, Cizre Grand Mosque, Mem and Zin Tomb, Red Madrasa, Prophet Noah Mosque, Ebu'l-İz El Cezeri Tomb, Cizre Castle, Yafes Bridge, Abdaliye Madrasa and Katip Yusuf House.

What is there to eat in Cizre?

Cizre Luzine Sweet, Cizre Kebabı and Keledoş are the standout flavours on Cizre's tables.

What is Cizre famous for?

Cizre is known for Cizre Bırınczer and the Mem and Zin Legend. It is registered with TÜRKPATENT as a geographical indication product.

How do I get to Cizre?

Cizre is 50 km from Şırnak city centre. Şırnak Airport is 60 km away. The Iraqi border (Habur) is 60 km away.

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

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

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