Batman (Province)

Batman (Dicle Development Agency)

Where is Batman?

Batman lies in the fertile lands of Mesopotamia.

• To the north are Muş and Bitlis,
• To the east is Siirt,
• To the south is Mardin,
• To the west is Diyarbakır.

The city is built on the Batman Plain, and the Tigris River sustains its life.

Batman Through History

Batman’s history extends back over 10,000 years, to the Neolithic Age!

• Hallan Çemi Höyüğü is among the earliest agricultural settlements in the region.
• Sumerians, Assyrians and Babylonians lived here.
• Urartians constructed irrigation canals.
• Romans and Byzantines used Batman as a strategic border point.

Journey Through Time: The Islamic and Ottoman Periods

• In the 7th century, Muslim forces conquered the region.
• During the Artukid and Ayyubid periods, monuments such as the Hasankeyf Castle and the Malabadi Bridge were built.
• In the 16th century, it became part of Ottoman territory.

From Iluh to Batman

For many years, this area was a small village named Iluh.

• In 1957, it became a district.
• In 1990, it separated from Siirt and became one of Türkiye’s youngest provinces.
• An interesting detail to share with children: Batman was once “a small village of Siirt,” yet today it stands as a city in its own right!

Nature and Climate

In Batman, summers are very hot and dry, while winters are cold and rainy.

• Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C.
• Heavy snowfall occurs in the high mountains during winter.

Main mountains: Mereto, Raman and Sason Mountains

Main plains: Batman Plain and Garzan Valley

Population and Urban Life

About 650,000 people live in Batman.

• The most populous district is Batman Central,
• The smallest district is Hasankeyf.

Batman is notable for its young population, and migration from villages to the city continues.

Batman’s Economy

When Batman is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is petroleum.

• Petroleum is extracted from the Raman and Garzan fields.
• The oil is processed at the Batman Refinery.

Agriculture and animal husbandry are also important:

• Wheat, barley, lentils and cotton are cultivated.
• Sheep and goat farming are widespread.

Historical and Natural Attractions

• Hasankeyf: With a 12,000-year history, it is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
• Malabadi Bridge: Built in 1147 by the Artukids, it is famous for its stone arch.
• Zeynel Bey Türbesi: Dating from the 15th century, it is notable for its glazed tiles and cylindrical structure.
• Mor Kiryakus Monastery: Constructed in the 4th century, it was an important center for the Syriac community.

Old Hasankeyf (Culture Portal)

Batman Cuisine

Batman’s dishes are hearty and flavorful:

• Şam böreği
• İçli köfte and mumbar dolması
• Mehir tatlısı