In the centre of Hakkâri, historic buildings and archaeological sites sit alongside a high plateau, ski centre and valley in the surrounding area. If you are deciding how to balance cultural history and mountain activities on your trip, you will find a range of options. The 13 Hakkâri steles are particularly striking: their findspot, depictions and approximate dating give them a profile distinct from the buildings in the centre.
Medrese, Steles and Castles
The Meydan Medrese is located in the Biçer neighbourhood in central Hakkâri. The building dates from the Ottoman period, has largely retained its original form and remains in good structural condition. Its historical period is thus paired with a specific architectural feature: significant parts of the historic building’s form have been preserved.
The Hakkâri steles were found on the north-west slope of Hakkâri Castle in the city centre. They are 13 upright stones. Their front faces are covered with depictions of people, animals and weapons of war, rendered using relief and engraving techniques. The steles are dated approximately to the period from 1450 to 1000 BC and are interpreted as probable memorial stones for deceased ancestors. The approximate time span and cautious interpretation go together: the dating does not refer to a single exact year, and their function is understood as an interpretation.
Two castles in the centre are also connected with the history of the Hakkâri Beys. Both Çölemerik Castle and Bay Castle served as administrative centres for centuries. Another historical point of interest is the Urartu cemetery in the city centre: its history reaches back to the period before Christ, and it is regarded as a worthwhile historic site. These places offer a range of historical connections, from archaeological steles and the Ottoman medrese to the castles and cemetery.
High Plateau, Ski Centre and Valley
The Berçelan Plateau lies 18 km north of Hakkâri city centre. Opportunities there include mountaineering, skiing and hiking. Mergabütan Ski Centre is 12 km from the city centre and has a 1,165 m four-person chairlift and a 680 m drag lift. The information highlights different features: several activities are mentioned for Berçelan, while the lifts are the focus at Mergabütan. As seasonal operations may change, check the latest operating information before planning a skiing trip.
Another landscape of interest is the Cennet-Cehennem Valley. It is about 45 km from Hakkâri district centre and includes permanent glaciers as well as areas covered with flowers seasonally. The contrast between permanent ice and seasonally flower-covered areas shapes the description of this destination. When considering distances, it is also important to note the reference point: the distances to Berçelan and Mergabütan are measured from the city centre, while the approximate distance to the valley is measured from the district centre. The distances in kilometres should therefore not be read as travel times.
Discover Regional Carpets and Specialities
Look beyond the places in the city centre to the region’s crafts, too. Hakkâri carpets feature vertical, horizontal, central and diagonal compositions. These terms describe different ways of arranging a surface. Carpets in this tradition are used, among other things, as wall hangings, bedspreads and floor coverings, so their uses range from decorating walls to furnishing floors.
Include regional cuisine in your exploration, too. Specialities include a sağdıç breakfast, Jaji, Ağavk, sheep’s yoghurt and Otlu Peyniri. They are joined by the herbs Siyabo, Mende and Kuresork, gathered in the mountains. These names give the culinary side of the region its own character without narrowing it down to a single dish or a particular occasion.
Discover more destinations: Derecik Municipality, Dağlıca Subdistrict, Yüksekova
Return to the main travel overview: Hakkari.
