Baykan is a district affiliated with the province of Siirt, located in the mountainous geography of the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Established on May 20, 1938, in the village of Tütenocak (Koh), the district was later relocated in 1949 to the area known as “Havil Khans” along the Diyarbakır-Bitlis highway, where it was renamed Baykan. Characterized by a continental climate, the region stands out with its historical richness, natural landscape, and strategic location. While the district hosts structures of religious significance—such as the Veysel Karani Shrine—its economic activities are primarily based on horticulture, animal husbandry, and transportation.
Historical Development
The establishment of Baykan District was officially enacted by Law No. 3393 on May 20, 1938, during its foundation in the village of Tütenocak (Koh). This legal development was published in the Official Gazette dated December 29, 1938, and numbered 4097. In 1949, the district center was relocated to the historically significant “Havil Khans” area on the Diyarbakır-Bitlis state highway. Concurrently, the district was renamed Baykan. Situated at an altitude of 715 meters with a surface area of 488 square kilometers, Baykan comprises five neighborhoods and is home to a population of 5,670.
Geographical Characteristics
Baykan is located 47 kilometers from the provincial center of Siirt. It is bordered by Şirvan to the east, Kurtalan and Kozluk (a district of Batman Province) to the west, Siirt to the south, and the province of Bitlis to the north. The district experiences a continental climate, with hot and dry summers and cold, wet winters. The district center is situated in a valley surrounded by high hills. Prominent mountains in the region include Tandır Mountain (also known as Kalems Mountain, 2,710 m) on the Siirt-Bitlis border in the north; Atlı Hill (Margelo Mountain, 1,850 m); Soğantepe (Komit) to the north of Dilektepe Village; Tosunlu Mountain (Kali, 1,710 m) in the northeast; and Dikmen Hill (Kapik Mountain, 1,664 m), located 7 kilometers east of Adakale Village. The district contains numerous small and large streams, the most significant of which is a river originating from Bitlis and flowing through the district center; this river is referred to as Başur Stream in its lower course. The predominant vegetation consists of degraded oak forests, and the topography of the region is largely mountainous and rugged.
Economic Structure
The economy of Baykan is primarily based on horticulture and livestock breeding. Transportation also constitutes a significant source of income for the local population. Due to the predominantly mountainous and rugged terrain, cereal cultivation is limited; however, wheat, lentils, and barley are grown in the arable lands available. Despite the scarcity of flat terrain, vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, onions, and cucumbers are cultivated efficiently even in the smallest plains and are widely marketed in neighboring provinces and districts. In some villages, tobacco farming, pistachio cultivation, and beekeeping are also practiced.
Cultural Heritage
Baykan boasts a rich cultural heritage. Structures such as the Tomb of Veysel Karani, the Tomb of Sheikh Osman, the Dört Ulular Bridge, and the Adakale (Derzin) Castle reflect the historical and spiritual values of the region. The Tomb of Veysel Karani is dedicated to Veysel Karani, who was born in the village of Karen in Yemen and made his living as a shepherd. Karani is believed to have been martyred during the caliphate of Ali and is remembered as a person who earned the affection of Prophet Muhammad. The tomb is located in the town of Veysel Karani, a settlement of Baykan, situated along the Siirt-Diyarbakır highway. It attracts a large number of visitors each year.
Derzin Castle is perched on a steep rocky hill in the village of Adakale (Derzin) and is associated with Shahkulu Bey of the Derzin Beys. Located 8 kilometers east of Baykan, the castle still stands today with its watchtowers. The Dört Ulular (Çarpiran) Bridge is located 3 kilometers east of the district center, over the Bitlis Stream. Constructed from cut and rubble stone, the bridge is 47.5 meters long and 4.5 meters wide. Although there is no inscription indicating its exact date of construction, it is estimated to have been built in the 16th or 17th century. The Kezer Bridge, located on the Siirt-Baykan road over the Kezer Stream, is believed to have been built during the early years of the Turkish Republic. Constructed of cut stone, the bridge is 61 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, with four rounded arches, and remains in use today.
Transportation Infrastructure
Baykan occupies a strategic location along the Diyarbakır-Bitlis-Van highway, and as such, transportation poses no significant issue. The district is connected to the provincial center and surrounding cities via a well-established road network. All neighboring provinces and districts are accessible through asphalt roads. Situated 47 kilometers from Siirt and 50 kilometers from Bitlis, Baykan lies on the route of public transportation vehicles traveling to cities such as Van, Bitlis, Ağrı, and Muş. The district’s terminal provides access to major metropolitan areas. Additionally, all villages and hamlets are connected to the district center via asphalt or stabilized roads.
