Diyarbakır's hidden paradise, whose settlement dates back to the First Age

The region in Diyarbakır that bears traces of the First Age, the Taşköprü built during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II, the road used by Atatürk in World War I, the Bosphorus reaching a height of 200 meters, its clear water and natural beauties preserve its splendor. Located between Kulp, Silvan and Hazro counties and popularly known as "Gorderni", the Taşköprü and canyon fascinates with its natural beauty. The history of the region where the rock caves are located dates back to the First Age. Taşköprü, which was built during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II, has been providing transportation for the citizens ever since. The bridge, road and route take its place in historical documents as the place where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk used in World War I and where he stayed in Hazro district.

“It is an important caravan route that continues to Diyarbakır”

Speaking to İhlas News Agency (İHA) reporter about the region, Dicle University Faculty of Art and Design Dean Prof Dr İrfan Yıldız stated that the place is connected to Kulp district, but it is located in the triangle of Kulp, Hazro and Silvan districts. Prof Dr Yıldız said, “When we look at the rock settlements here, we see that there has been a settlement since ancient times, and that there were settlements in the rock shelters before 10 thousand, 11 thousand years ago, 12, 13 thousand years ago. The old name of the village, which we call 'Gordern', means the village that puts its dead into cubes. It gets its name from there. This is also an important caravan route that continues to Diyarbakır via Muş, Kulp, Hazro. The bridge located here is a bridge built during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II. It is a two-eyed bridge, showing the characteristics of the Ottoman period."

"This road is also called the 'Atatürk road'

Stating that the road in the region is also called the "Atatürk road", Prof Dr Yıldız said, “This is one of the most important features of this road. During the First World War, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk used this road to stop the Russian attacks on the Muş front, and stayed in Hazro for one night. Afterwards, he used this road and went to the Kulp-Muş border and participated in the 1st World War. That's why this road is called the Atatürk road. Gorderni canyon is a very beautiful canyon with its nature and water. It is a place where people from Diyarbakır have picnics on weekends. Sarum Stream is also a water born in the snowy mountains of Lice. Lice, Kulp partially crosses the borders of Silvan and mixes with Batman Stream and then the Tigris River.” Stating that a particularly dry year is expected this year, Yıldız said, “Because of the beautiful rains especially in April, nature is very lively and the waters are strong. Silvan Dam is being built on top of this. Later on, this water will also make a great contribution to the Silvan Dam.”

“People started flocking here because there was stability and security in the region”

Stating that people started flocking to the area as the region became safe, Yıldız said, “After 2016, this Taşköprü canyon has been attracting great attention. It is a place that attracts a lot of attention by picnickers, nature lovers and nature walkers. When there is such a peaceful environment in the region, such places come to the fore.” Prof Dr Yıldız concluded his speech as follows: “In 2011, I conducted a study with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with the contribution of Dicle University, to determine the architectural works of art belonging to the Middle Ages and later in Diyarbakır province and its districts. At that time, we also studied this canyon and the bridge. I introduced this to the scientific world with an article titled 'Cultural Properties in Diyarbakir's Kulp District'.