Diyarbakır is southeastern Turkey's cultural capital, anchored by some 6 km of UNESCO-listed black basalt city walls—among the longest and best-preserved in the world. Perched above the Tigris River, the ancient walled city (Sur) shelters mosques, Armenian churches, Kurdish cultural centres and bustling bazaars that have thrived here for more than 7,000 years. The city is famous throughout Turkey for its colossal watermelons, its layered Anatolian-Kurdish cuisine and the plaintive vocal tradition of dengbêj storytellers.
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Sur District Daily Bazaar (Gazi Caddesi)
Hours: 07:30–19:30
Look for: Spices, pekmez, dried fruit, fresh local produce, tea, copper goods
Yenişehir Saturday Market
Hours: 06:00–14:00
Look for: Fresh fruit and vegetables, clothing, household goods, watermelons in season