Open Travel Guide
History of Siirt

Siirt History & Heritage Guide 2026

A historical companion to Siirt — what happened, where to stand, and what survives.

Siirt is a province and city in southeastern Turkey, nestled in a mountainous landscape carved by the Botan River. Known as a city of prophets due to its ancient tombs and Islamic heritage, Siirt blends centuries of history with vibrant Kurdish and Arabic cultural traditions. The city is renowned throughout Turkey for its famous Siirt perde pilavi (curtain rice with chicken), its distinctive hand-woven blankets (bürümcük), and its world-class pistachios. Off the main tourist trail, Siirt offers authentic experiences, warm hospitality, and dramatic mountain scenery for adventurous independent travelers.