SIIRT
Siirt is one of the prettiest province in Southeastern Anatolia, 224 km away
from Mardin and seperated from Mardin province by the Tigris (Dicle) river.Siirt
was once under the hegemonies of the Persians, Romans, and Byzatines.It had also
an important role at the time of Abbasid Caliphate era.
A lot of civilisations had flourished along the Botan stream from this province.Hurri and Subarru people settled in the area around 3000 and they are
known as the native people of Siirt.Some of the civilisations that had passed
from that province were Assyrian and Med domination in the 7th century BC then
Persian Empire, Seleukos Kingdom, Roman and Byzantine Empires and Iran.Siirt
province once struggled against Mongolians, Eyyubi, Artuklu and Karakoyunlu.A
stage was formed for struggles as well.In 1514, it was invaded by Ottoman
Empire.
Siirt gets its name from `Keert` which meant "city"in Keldani language.
Islamic civilisation is presented by the tombs of Veysel Karani and Ismail
Hakki who form a bridge of history and civilisation between the past and our
times.You should visit these places to understand deeply the mystic of islam.
You shall not be bored in Siirt during your stay as the city is rich in
sightseeings.There are lots of historical places worth to see.For example, Grand
(ulu) Mosque was costructed by Mugiziddin Mahmut who was one of the Seljuk ruler
in 1129.Some annexes to the original structure was built by Cizre Governor El
Mucahit Ishak in 1260.In 1965, the Mosque was renewed by the General Diectorate
of Foundations.This mosque has unique features such as its pulpit made of walnut
is now exhibited at the Ethnographic Museum in Ankara.Moreover, it is seen as
one of the finest specimens of Seljuk woodworking.The mosque has only a single
balcony minaret that ornamented with turquoise.Climatic conditions affect these
works unfortunately:-(There is a huge dome locating at the centre surrounded by
smaller domes.
Besides its historical places the city has some thermal springs called
Billoris locating on Siirt-Eruh highway.The hot water come from a cave on the
Botan brook creates a pool boling 35 centigrate.The water here can not be drunk
because of calcium bicarbonate and sulphurous hydrogen however it`s good for
your health problems such as rheumatism and some skin diseases.
If you drive 6 km from Siirt, Aydinlar welcomes you!It is a pretty and
most-visited town where the Ibrahim Hakki Mausoleum Complex stands having Ibrahim Hakki Museum nearby.Ismail Hakki is a famous Turkish astronomer who had
produced 54 written works.The tomb of Sheik Ismail Fakirullah is also worth to visit.The nature surrounded by pistachio nut trees make a challenging place`Aydinlar`.This part of the city shall make you feel more peaceful and
relax.
The province covers an area of 5,406 square kilometers.The city`s water
network is constitued by the Tigris river and its tributaries.The population of
Siirt is 262,372 according to the 1997 Census.The city of Siirt is divided into
6 districts : Aydinlar, Baykan, Eruh, Kurtalan, Pervari and Sirvan and 271 nice
villages.
You can find and we bet buysome traditional handicrafts of the city which is
textile and copper works.You may have some knowledge about their famous goat
wool blankets before you come here.The blankets are woven with geometric designs
and dyed by natural plants.They have a great International value.We
recommen you to have one of wonderful handicrafts.
The population of people is rare whereas the population of animal is so high
within the province.As a result the city has a very high potential for the
development of integrated meat and leather processing industries.Animal industry
is very important in this region.Almost every people have at least one
animal.Agriculture is done in some parts of the region.Siirt has a potential in
promoting its pistachio and vegetable culture as well.With its asphalt, copper
and chrome reserves Siirt is well endowed.
Siirt has an important role in the region with agriculture and animal
husbandry.It has been turned into a modern city with the help of GAP project
that is gradually developing and growing.
Don`t leave Siirt before visiting the Tombs of Veysel Karani and Ibrahim
Hakki, Ulu Mosque, Siirt Buryani, Perde Rice, Zivzik Nari ( a kind of local
food)...Don`t forget to buy a local blanket, Siirt pistachio nuts, Pervari
Honey...
There are important festivals and days celebrated in Siirt city.Some of them
are Nevruz on 21th March, Hidrellez Culture and Spring Festival in May, Local
Egg Festival on 2th May, Memorial Day of Ibrahim Hakki on 14-22th September,
paragliding festival in June and July, Rafting in May and June, Memorial Day of
Veysel Karani in 16th May-4th June, Local Cigor Festival on 2th March.As you see
there are various festivals up to everyone.Choose which one do you like and make
your hotel reservation as soon as possible.Siirt Hotel is one of the best
accomadation place in the city of Siirt.Icem Tour is here to make you happy
for every occasions. | 
