A 30 km² irrigation reservoir north-west of Diyarbakır with no beach facilities; a scenic stop rather than a swimming spot.
Devegeçidi Dam Lake is a 30 km² irrigation reservoir on the Furtaksa River, north-west of Diyarbakır. The rock-fill dam, built between 1965 and 1972 by the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), is 33 m high, and the reservoir stretches about 13 km. It is about 27 km in a straight line from the city and is reached by road through the villages around the lake.
There is no beach infrastructure and no verified picnic area, lifeguards or public facilities. In April 2026 the Diyarbakır Governorship announced that the dam's spillways had been opened because the water level had risen, so the shoreline changes through the year and access may be restricted. Visitors should treat it as a scenic drive and bird-and-sunset stop, not a swimming site, and confirm access locally before going. A private car is needed.
| Distance | About 27 km straight-line north-west of Diyarbakır |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Private car or taxi through the villages around the lake |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | April-June and September-October |
| Address | Devegeçidi Barajı, Diyarbakır, Türkiye |
Amenities
- None verified
Good to know
- Best for
- scenic drives, sunset, birdwatchers
Location
Devegeçidi Barajı, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
38.0569, 39.9861 View on map
Highlights
- 30 km² reservoir in open plateau scenery
- Quiet shore away from the city
- Large water surface for sunset and birdlife
- Short drive from Diyarbakır
Tips for visiting
- Confirm access and water-level conditions locally; spillways were opened in April 2026.
- Bring water, food and shade; there is no shop or café.
- Do not swim; no lifeguards or facilities were verified.
- Use a private car or taxi; public transport was not verified.
- Check whether picnicking is allowed in the area before setting up.
When to visit
April-June and September-October.
Accessibility
Rough shore with no paved access; not suitable for wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Devegeçidi Dam from Diyarbakır?
About 27 km in a straight line to the north-west; the road trip is longer.
Can people swim there?
No facilities or lifeguards were verified, and swimming is not advised.
Is there a picnic area?
No official picnic area was verified.
When is the water level high?
Spring; the spillways were opened in April 2026.