After circumambulating Mardin and Midyat, it was time for Hasankeyf, which was the most exciting part of our trip for me.. After departing from Midyat, we set out for Hasankeyf on the asphalt officially scorched by extreme heat.
It was very important for me to be able to see Hasankeyf, which I had read from different sources before and perhaps was under a dam and could not be discovered by the next generations.
Our journey, which won’t be too long, but we were about to faint from sweating, ended at the authentic entrance of Hasankeyf.
The tree-deprived nature had never seen any color other than the tones of brown and yellow.
While the people of Hasankeyf watch the passing tourists in the smoking areas of the coffeehouses, Kerem Zoktay, Pervari District Culture Manager, who brought us to Hasankeyf and toured Mardin, preferred not to stay under the heat any longer because he visited Hasankeyf many times and preferred to sit in the mobile cafes on the banks of the Tigris River. we tightened our steps to start our tour.
While trying to perceive that I am in Hasankeyf, where the rocks were carved into a city, my friend We are going to the entrance of the ruins together with the horses.
THE MIND OF A TOLL OFFICER
Entrances to Hasankeyf, a ruined place affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 3 Lira. Museum Card holders can use it free of charge.. While I was able to enter for free with my Museum Card, which I previously bought from Van, my friends enter by paying money because they do not have Museum Cards. I am waiting. When they finally arrived, they say that they did not have any change and that they gave the 5 Lira they were wearing after the officer did not change money.. They think they’re getting two tickets in return.. By giving 5 Liras to a single ticket with the same serial number, they are giving 2 Liras to the man’s pocket as a gift.. After I return, I make the necessary complaint to the Batman Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism and ensure that an investigation is opened against the officer. They propose to initiate a trial against the officer by submitting it to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.. We do not want to continue thinking that the officer is afraid enough.
GIFT ITEMS
Introductory publications, souvenirs and The shortage of products in which the name of the region is used exactly is not experienced in Hasankeyf.. Low quality but abundant Hasankeyf souvenirs are available for sale in and around the castle.. However, better quality products can be made.
While climbing slowly towards the castle, we see that no matter how many makeshift structures there are, they are placed inside the ruins under the name of cafe.
Such a place I do not want to say under what conditions it would be promoted and operated in the hands of others.
Despite everything, it is very nice to be in Hasankeyf.
We watch what is going on outside by entering hundreds of caves.. Since the caves are used as toilets, we cannot stay long.
As we climb up, the temperature and sweat increase.. We are unaware of what we will see shortly as we move forward under the sun.
We witness the unique view of Hasankeyf, which is brought to life by the Tigris river, and that we have seen many times in different sources.. After seeing the famous bridge, we believe that we are in Hasankeyf this time.. We move forward by taking pictures all the time.
When we look down from the railings with the no stone throwing sign, we notice the mobile cafes set up on the banks of the Tigris river.. These shady cafes, which are established seasonally, meet the needs of people such as eating and drinking; It ensures that your feet are in the Tigris waters while eating or drinking.. They stood on these shores until the waters rose.. We will also have dinner there at the end of our trip.
After looking at the Tigris River and Akkoyunlu Zeynel Bey Tomb across the street, we go up to the top of the castle. I’m thinking deep down how a place is wanted to be left under water…
Hasankeyf, which has been subjected to countless wars and looting, has quite worn out historical artifacts.
With the callousness and dereliction of people, images that will cause a nervous breakdown have emerged.. Historical ruins written with spray paint and fragments of stones that have been scratched out, about to be demolished and have become portable toilets.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism thinks it is doing its job by putting a makeshift hut at the entrance, but this place needs attention.
History is Unknown
Unfortunately, there is no clear information about Hasankeyf’s past, like many historical sites in the Southeast Anatolia Region.
The name of the region that became Hasankeyf after the word “Hısn”, which means citadel, was converted into Hasan after the proclamation of the republic.. While Hasankeyf was a town of Gercüş, it became a district of Batman after Batman became a province.. Especially with the favorable geographical conditions, the Tigris River, the large number of workable caves in the vicinity, and the opportunities provided by the militarily favorable conditions, “Hısn Kayfa” was the point where many immigration waves stopped. Hasankeyf, which he captured, has also been the subject of many epics and stories.
The most important of these is the story of Mem and Zin, which President Abdullah Gül also told while the speeches about the Kurdish initiative, which occupied the agenda, were going on…
It is stated that the experiences of Mem and Zin, the lovers who could not meet, were lived in Hasankeyf according to various sources.. It is not known whether this love story, for which a movie was shot and which has a considerable reputation in the region, took place in this geography, but Hasankeyf will undoubtedly be one of the most romantic places where love can be experienced! It makes me happy.
INSIDE PAIN GREAT MOSQUE
After seeing the Ulu Mosque, which was left by the Artuqids and plundered by human hands, we go to the historical graves.
This area, which has turned into an open-air toilet and a message board with the slackness and lack of control of the visitors, officially hurts me.
Although I can’t make sense of people’s insensitivity, I can’t digest what has been done to me.. I can’t understand how people can be so ruthless.
Turkey has serious problems with its tourism values.
We are going down with the effect of not being able to tolerate any more disgraceful images together with the hot weather and our hungry stomach.. We go to Kerem Bey, who is waiting for us on the banks of the Tigris, next to the mosque, whose minaret is still standing.. We eat roasted meat by putting our feet in the cool water of the Tigris.
It is a different pleasure to eat food while laughing at the children trying to cool off in the Tigris and drifting here and there with the current.. Many events have taken place around this water, which gives life to a geography.
Time passes by thinking about what martyrdom this water, which is not limited to Turkey but reaches Iraq, is a martyr.. We head towards the exit of the area to buy a few fridge decorations.
Hassankeyf, where I experienced many “firsts” under the heat, fascinates me emotionally.. I am especially happy when I realize how meaningful and beautiful it is to come here and feel and experience this place, especially that I do not regret it.
I also do not forget to thank my friend who did not leave me alone…
As Hasankeyf bids farewell one day, we are Batman We are returning to .