A former name, a restored minaret and the history of copperworking bring Siirt’s local history to life. At Cumhuriyet Camisi, the story runs from its presumed origins in the early 12th century to its restoration in 1929; Bakırcılar Çarşısı recalls the craft of copperworking. Other sacred sites in the city centre sit alongside landscapes such as Taşbaşı Cave and the Botan Valley.
Sacred sites and changing names
Cumhuriyet Camisi is located in the city centre and is believed to date from the early 12th century. It was formerly known as Hıdr-Ül Ahdar, also called Hudurul Ahdar. In 1929, it was restored with the support of MP H. Hulki Aydın. During this work, the minaret was renewed and the name was changed from Hıdr-Ül Ahdar to Cumhuriyet Camisi. This brings together a presumed early origin and a 20th-century restoration accompanied by a change of name.
The Hadervis Church and Mir-Yakup Monastery are also located in the city centre. Alongside mosques, a church and a monastery are among the sacred buildings that make Siirt distinctive.
Babudarp Camisi dates back to the 18th century. After being restored by the regional Vakıflar Directorate, it was returned to its former condition. Its courtyard contains a stone-carved basin about 200 years old. The basin is associated with a water therapy in which people immerse their feet in the cold water.
Copper craft and historic bazaars
Copperworking and tinning have a long history in Siirt and have been practised as an important local craft in the city centre for many years. Historically, Bakırcılar Çarşısı was the centre of copperworking. Items made there included copper jugs, pots, cauldrons and bowls. These specific objects give the craft tradition a tangible character: they show which products were associated with copperworking in Siirt.
The historic Helvacılar Çarşısı is also located in the city centre. While Bakırcılar Çarşısı is specifically associated with copperworking, Helvacılar Çarşısı adds to the picture of Siirt’s historic bazaars. Together with the sacred buildings, they offer a glimpse of different aspects of the city’s history.
Botan Valley and protected area
The Botan Valley covers approximately 120,000 dönüm and extends for 29 kilometres. The Botan Vadisi National Park contains cultural remains from the Assyrian Empire; part of the historic Silk Road also runs through the protected area. Two distinct historical connections meet here: Assyrian cultural remains and a section of the Silk Road.
The Botan Valley is suitable for activities such as paragliding and rafting. From Siirt city centre, Botan Vadisi National Park can be reached by car via four different road routes. This guidance on getting there complements the protected area’s cultural attractions with practical information for planning a trip.
Taşbaşı Cave and views of the Uluçay
Taşbaşı Cave lies four kilometres southeast of Siirt and overlooks the Uluçay (Botan) from a height of about 350 metres. It offers visitors a wide-ranging view of the landscape. The cave was formed when steep limestone cliffs were hollowed out in pre-Christian times. Two different discoveries come together here: views across the landscape and the ancient working of the rock.
When looking for a holiday rental in Siirt, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your trip: would you rather explore architectural and craft history, or make the landscape and activities such as paragliding and rafting the main focus?
Discover more destinations: Siirt, Pervari, Bilgili Köyü, Batman, Iğdır, Kirikkale, Eskişehir, Van.
Go to the main travel overview: Anatolia.
