Beşiri is a district in Türkiye’s Batman province. With its location parallel to the Garzan River, historical past, and rural settlement structure, it is one of the settlements in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. Spreading over an area of 889 km², Beşiri possesses administrative, geographical, and social characteristics.

History

The history of Beşiri dates back to before the Republic. Known as a small village named Kobin in the Garzan district of Siirt province during the Ottoman period, Beşiri experienced an important turning point with a major flood disaster in 1926. This disaster led to the relocation of the Elmedine sub-district, previously part of Diyarbakır province, to Beşiri, and the region gained district status under Siirt province, taking the name Beşiri. In 1990, with Batman achieving provincial status, Beşiri became a district of Batman. Throughout its history, its strategic location and the fertile agricultural lands provided by the Garzan River have shaped the district's settlement and administrative structure. In Ottoman archives and local narratives, there are some records about the importance of the region in terms of agriculture and trade, but detailed archaeological studies are limited.

Geographical Structure

Beşiri has an area of 889 km² and is located in the east of Batman province. The geographical structure of the district is defined by the valley formed by the Garzan River and the surrounding plains. The Garzan River is the most important natural element directly affecting both the settlement pattern and agricultural activities of the district. Beşiri is surrounded by Kurtalan district of Siirt to the east, Kozluk district to the north, Hasankeyf district to the south, and Batman city center to the west. The villages of the district are mostly concentrated along the banks of the Garzan River and in the eastern parts. Topographically, Beşiri has slightly undulating terrains and offers fertile agricultural lands along the river valley. Small hills and plateaus are also found in the region, but high mountainous areas are limited.

Climate and Flora

The climate of Beşiri bears the characteristics of a continental climate, which is typical for the Southeastern Anatolia Region. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and rainy. Average temperatures can reach 30-35°C in summer months, while they can drop to around 0°C in winter months. Precipitation generally intensifies in winter and spring months, and the annual precipitation varies between 500-600 mm. The presence of the Garzan River creates a microclimate effect in some parts of the district and provides a more humid environment along the riverbanks.

The vegetation is characterized by steppes and meadows, in accordance with the region's continental climate. Along the riverbanks, willow, poplar such as tree species and wetland plants are observed, while herbaceous plants and steppe formations dominate the inner areas. Due to the extensive agricultural lands, natural vegetation has decreased in some areas, but plant diversity continues in some regions around the river valley. Beşiri's ecosystem has been shaped by agricultural and livestock activities.

Social Structure

Beşiri has a rural and community-focused social structure. The social fabric of the district is characterized by the density of village and hamlet settlements. Traditional lifestyle, family ties, and local culture form the basis of social relations. The district center and İkiköprü Town are central to social and cultural activities. Although dependence on Batman city center for education, health, and social services continues, basic infrastructure services are available in the district. Local festivals, weddings, and religious holidays are important elements of social life. The ethnic and cultural diversity in the region adds richness to Beşiri's social structure; however, detailed data on this matter is limited. Communities living on agriculture and animal husbandry in the villages around the Garzan River determine the community structure.

Economic Structure

Beşiri's economic structure largely depends on agriculture and animal husbandry. The irrigation possibilities provided by the Garzan River support the production of cereals (wheat, barley), legumes, and vegetables-fruit in the district. The fertile lands along the river form the basis of agricultural production. Animal husbandry, especially small livestock (sheep, goat) and large animal breeding, is widely practiced among the district's economic activities. Dairy products and meat production contribute to the local economy.

Proximity to Batman city center allows for the development of small-scale trade and service sectors in Beşiri. Local markets for the marketing of agricultural products are found in the district, but industrial activities are limited. Although the indirect effects of the oil industry in Batman are felt in terms of employment and trade in the district, Beşiri's economy is primarily focused on agriculture and animal husbandry. In recent years, agricultural modernization and irrigation projects are among the efforts aimed at increasing economic efficiency.

Tourism Potential

Beşiri has the potential to be evaluated for tourism due to its natural and historical richness, but this potential has not yet been fully realized. The Garzan River is the most important natural attraction in the district. The green areas along the river are suitable for activities such as picnics, nature walks, and fishing. The landscapes formed by the river provide opportunities for nature-based visits. Historically, Beşiri's settlement history during the Ottoman and Republican periods can be a subject of research for local history enthusiasts, but there is limited information about prominent archaeological sites or tourist structures in the region.

Beşiri's proximity to Batman city center and a historical and touristic region like Hasankeyf provides ease of access for tourism. Hasankeyf's cultural heritage and the allure of the Tigris River can make Beşiri a transit point for day trips. Developing tourism infrastructure (accommodation, guide services) in the district can contribute to the development of tourism activities.

Demographic Structure

Beşiri's demographic structure reflects a profile dominated by rural settlements. The district has 54 villages and 62 hamlets affiliated with these villages. The majority of the population lives in these villages and hamlets. The district center consists of 6 neighborhoods, and İkiköprü Town has 3 neighborhoods, making a total of 9 neighborhoods. Population data is not specified in the sources, but considering the general demographic characteristics of Batman, Beşiri's population can be estimated to be around 20,000-30,000 (needs to be verified with official data as of 2025).

The majority of the population earns their living from agriculture and animal husbandry. The young population ratio is relatively high; however, due to limited employment opportunities, migration to Batman city center or other major cities can be observed. The education level is basic in rural areas, while more developed schools are found in the district center. Health services are offered in the district center and the town, however, reliance on Batman city center for advanced treatment continues.

Administrative Structure

Beşiri is a district of Batman province and administratively has two municipalities: Beşiri district center municipality and İkiköprü Town Municipality. There are a total of 9 neighborhoods in the district; 6 in the district center and 3 in İkiköprü Town. 54 villages and 62 hamlets affiliated with these villages form the rural administrative structure of the district. Most of the villages are located along the riverbanks and in the eastern parts of the district due to the agricultural advantages provided by the Garzan River. The administrative management of the district is carried out under the Batman Governorship. The District Governorate, municipalities, and village headmen play a fundamental role in local administration.