Hasankeyf

With traces dating from the Neolithic period through the Roman, Byzantine, Artuqid, Ayyubid, Aq Qoyunlu and Ottoman periods, it became one of the important cultural centres of Mesopotamia. Its rock-cut caves, fortress, mosques, bridge remains and historic buildings reflect the region’s rich past.

Hasankeyf developed particularly during the Middle Ages under Artuqid rule and continued to be an important city under the Ayyubids and Aq Qoyunlu. Zeynel Bey Türbesi, Er-Rızk Camii, Süleyman Han Camii, Artuklu Hamamı and İmam Abdullah Türbesi are among the most notable examples of the city’s historical and architectural heritage. These structures bring together the artistic and architectural traditions of different periods within the historic landscape of the Tigris Valley.

The Ilısu Dam Project brought major changes to Hasankeyf’s historical and natural landscape. While a large part of the old settlement was submerged beneath the waters of the dam reservoir, some monumental structures were relocated to a new cultural park as part of preservation efforts. Artefacts uncovered during archaeological excavations in the region are displayed at Hasankeyf Müzesi. Today, Hasankeyf represents not only the legacy of past civilisations but also an important example of efforts to preserve cultural heritage.