A YOUNG CITY IN THE CRIVE OF CIVILIZATION: BATMAN

Mesopotamia, which many historians accept as the cradle of civilization; It means "region between two rivers" in the ancient Greek language. These two rivers; Euphrates and Tigris you know. The region where the world's oldest and greatest civilizations such as Sumer, Babylon, Akkad, Assyria and Elam were born and developed and where the first literate communities lived, deserves to be called the cradle of civilization. The Hasankeyf, of which many of you at least hear its name, was also founded on the Tigris that marked the borders of ancient Mesopotamia. Since it is on the passage route of Upper Mesopotamia to Anatolia, it has been an important place strategically.

Although it is a relatively new city, Batman rises above this ancient culture. In Turkey, the first place to visit is of course Hasankeyf. But do not make the mistake of thinking that Batman consists only of Hasankeyf. You can easily reach Batman with daily direct flights; It will surprise you with its deep-rooted history, nature, and great local dishes. In Batman, which has rapidly developed and become a modern city in the last 20 years, Batman central hotels will be another feature of the city that will surprise you with the comfort and facilities they offer. Although most Batman hotels are located in the center, there are also options close to the airport. Batman hotel prices differ with options suitable for every budget, the service and comfort they offer.

WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO EAT

We said to see Hasankeyf, but unfortunately this date is gradually under the waters of Ilısu Dam under the GAP. You have to hurry to see Hasankeyf, which has a history of about 12,000 years, has the first mosques and archbishop of Mesopotamia, and has more than 5,000 caves that you can come across with many traces dating back to the Neolithic Age. Fortunately, the 550-year-old Zeynel Bey Tomb, which is the first example of the monumental tomb tradition in Anatolia; Hz. Imam Abdullah Tomb, who was a relative of Muhammad and was martyred in Hasankeyf; Stone gate, fountain and minaret of Süleyman Han Mosque; Eyyubi Mosque built at the end of the 14th century; Artuklu Bath; The middle gate of Hasankeyf Castle and the 609-year-old Er-Rızk Mosque were rescued from being flooded by the dam and moved to the Cultural Park Area created in the new Hasankeyf. Also recently, boat tours are planned, where you can see the ruins of Hasankeyf above the water.

Batman, a small village called Iluh in the 1930s, Of course, it's not just Hasankeyf. Batman's first oil in 1940 in Turkey and the city begins to develop rapidly from that moment. Today, more than 400 oil wells are operating in the region. This economic dynamism has also led to the modernization of the city, especially in the last 20 years.

Batman, which is a fairly new city but fed by civilizations cradles, also travels outside Hasankeyf. there are so many places to see. The Memikan Bridge, thought to have been built by the first Muslims to come to the region; Malabadi Bridge, which has rooms for people to rest and has been the subject of folk songs; İbrahim Bey Mosque in Kozluk District and Mor Kiryanus Monastery, one of the first monasteries in the region, are must-visit places. Also, do not forget to add Hallan Çemi Tumulus, which dates back to 10,000 years and contains the first evidence of human settlements.

This is a tour of culture, history and beliefs. then, it would be nice not to try Batman's rich cuisine. You can start with Leben with Yoghurt, Buttermilk Soup or Plateau Soup, taste Stuffed Ribs, Damascus Pastry, Mumbar Stuffed or Perde Pilaf with tandoori bread and finally put a sweet spot with Havdel or Bayram Dessert.

After a lavish banquet, one of the famous traditional weavings of Batman, resembling a chile cloth, which are continued by the efforts of few masters today; You can buy handmade needle lace, lace, wool socks, and shiny glitter embroidered fabrics from local people.

By the way, Batman's famous bat man It should be noted that by using the name resemblance to Batman, it also hosts creative campaigns such as likening the provincial borders to the Batman emblem.

DO NOT GO WITHOUT DOING

• Is the only place that meets 9 of the 10 criteria set by UNESCO for its World Heritage List, and most of it will soon be under the Ilısu Dam Be sure to see Hasankeyf and the works that have been moved to the new Hasankeyf's Cultural Park Area.
• Don't forget to visit Malabadi Bridge and Memikan Bridge, which are the subject of legends.
• Be sure to taste the Mumbar Stuffed and Stuffed Meatballs. 
• Don't forget to buy Batman-associated shiny glitter embroidered fabrics and wool socks.
• Do not forget to drink ayran at an altitude of 1050 meters against the magnificent view of Gercüş Ayrancı Pass.