Şırnak (Province)

Şırnak is a province located in southeastern Türkiye, distinguished by its historical and cultural depth, natural beauty, and strategic location. Situated at the crossroads of Mesopotamia, Iran, and Anatolia, it has attracted the interest of numerous civilizations throughout history and emerged as a significant settlement center. Since ancient times, Şırnak has served as a home to many cultures. During the Ottoman period, it was a district subordinate to Siirt, and in 1990 it attained provincial status, becoming Türkiye’s 73rd province.

Şırnak carries traces of diverse cultures throughout history and is also regarded as an important religious and cultural center due to the belief that Prophet Noah’s Ark came to rest on Mount Cudi. In addition to religious tourism, the city attracts attention through its historical structures and natural beauty, and in recent years it has gained prominence due to developments in the energy sector.

Despite its mountainous and rugged terrain, Şırnak possesses significant economic diversity through fertile agricultural lands, extensive pasture areas, and border trade. The discovery of oil reserves on Mount Gabar has transformed Şırnak into one of Türkiye’s most important energy centers, reshaping its economic structure.

^【1】

Şırnak province lies in southeastern Türkiye, although part of its territory extends into eastern Türkiye. It is situated along the extensions of the Southeastern Taurus Mountains, on the southwestern slopes of Namaz Mountain. Throughout its historical development, this region at the intersection of Mesopotamia, Iran, and Anatolia came under the control of numerous civilizations. However, historical records mentioning the name Şırnak do not appear before the late 19th century; during that period it was known only as a village. Before attaining provincial status, Şırnak was a district under Siirt and became Türkiye’s 73rd province by Law No. 3647 dated 16 May 1990.

The history of settlement in Şırnak and its surroundings extends back to around 7000 BCE. However, limited archaeological excavations in the region have made it difficult to obtain definitive information about the prehistoric period. Nevertheless, as a transitional zone between Mesopotamia and Anatolia, the region was dominated by numerous civilizations including the Sumerians, Subartians, Gutians, Hurrians, Mitanni, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Urartians.

Şırnak, maintaining close relations with Mesopotamian civilizations, held a significant strategic position especially during the Assyrian and Babylonian periods. From the 7th century BCE onward, raids by nomadic groups such as the Cimmerians and Scythians were recorded in the region. Later, it came under the control of the Medes and subsequently the Persian Empire.

Following Alexander the Great’s campaigns in the 4th century BCE, the region fell under Macedonian rule and was later controlled by the Seleucids after his death. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Şırnak remained an important frontier region and served as a battleground in the conflicts between the Byzantine and Sassanian Empires.

The region came under Islamic rule during the caliphate of Ömer. In 639 CE, Islamic armies under the command of Iyaz ibn Ghanm conquered southern Eastern Anatolia and incorporated Şırnak and its surroundings into Abbasid authority. Under Islamic rule, the region was attached to the Diyarbekir district of the al-Jazira province.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Şırnak and its surroundings came under the control of various states:

• In the mid-11th century, Turkmen raids began, and later in 1085, the Great Seljuk Sultan Malik-Shah conquered the region.
• After Seljuk rule, dynasties such as the Syrian Seljuks, Inalids, Artuqids, and Ayyubids governed the area.
• In the 13th century, the region was captured by the Anatolian Seljuks and later administered by the Ilkhanids, who established the Mongol Empire.
• During the 14th and 15th centuries, the region changed hands among the Jalayirids, Timurid Empire, Akkoyunlus, and Safavids.

In 1514, following Sultan Yavuz Selim’s Çaldıran Campaign, Safavid dominance in the region ended and Şırnak was incorporated into Ottoman territory.

Under Ottoman administration, Şırnak became part of the Siirt Sanjak within the Diyarbekir Eyalet. After the proclamation of the Tanzimat Decree and the transition to the Ottoman provincial system, Şırnak was attached to the Bitlis Vilayet in 1884. Until the late 19th century, Şırnak remained a small village within the Eruh kazas of Bitlis Vilayet.

In the final years of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan II. Abdülhamid established the Hamidiye Regiments and formed military units from local tribes loyal to the Ottoman state. The transition to a settled lifestyle in Şırnak also accelerated significantly during this period.

In the early years of the Republic, Şırnak continued as a district under Siirt province. According to the 1925–1926 State Yearbook of the Republic of Türkiye, Şırnak gained independent district (kaza) status after separating from Eruh district of Siirt.

• In 1930, Şırnak established a municipal organization; its population reached 3,594 in 1935 and 5,033 in 1940.
• Between 1940 and 1960, the population fluctuated but began to rise rapidly from the 1970s onward.
• In 1975, the district population exceeded 10,000 and reached 12,141 by 1985.
• In 1990, by law it attained provincial status, separating from Siirt and becoming Türkiye’s 73rd province.

During this process, the districts of İdil, Cizre, and Silopi from Mardin and the district of Güçlükonak from Siirt were attached to Şırnak. Its population, which stood at 25,059 upon attaining provincial status in 1990, rose to 54,302 by 2007.

There are various theories regarding the origin of the name Şırnak. Known in the 19th century as the name of a tribe, Şırnak was also recorded in Ottoman documents as Şîrhâr. However, according to a widespread local tradition, the name is said to derive from the story of Noah’s Flood. According to the narrative in Surah Hud of the Qur’an, Noah’s Ark came to rest on Mount Cudi, and those who survived the flood established settlements there. It is claimed that this settlement was originally called Şehr-i Nuh and gradually evolved into Şarnah, then Şırnek, and finally Şırnak. However, these claims are not supported by historical documents.

Şırnak is a strategic province located at the intersection of southeastern and eastern Türkiye, characterized by a mountainous and rugged topography with high mountains, deep valleys, and wetlands fed by the Tigris River. A continental climate prevails throughout the province, while the southern districts experience a hotter and drier climate. The vegetation cover is predominantly steppe and oak forests in mountainous areas.

Şırnak province is located in southeastern Türkiye, bordered by Syria and Iraq to the south, Mardin to the west, Siirt to the north, Van to the northeast, and Hakkâri to the east. Its geographic coordinates lie between 37º31’ north latitude and 42º28’ east longitude. With a total area of 7,172 km², the province lies at the intersection of the Southeastern Anatolia and Eastern Anatolia regions.

Şırnak is situated at a key junction of major transportation routes. The road connecting Siirt to Hakkâri intersects with roads linking Mardin to Hakkâri, and these routes also connect the al-Jazira plains to the Eastern Anatolian highlands and further to Azerbaijan.

The elevation of the provincial center above sea level is approximately 1,375 meters, and the terrain is mountainous and rugged. Administratively, Şırnak consists of seven districts along with the central district:

• Cizre, İdil, and Silopi districts were transferred from Mardin,
• The central district and Güçlükonak district were transferred from Siirt,
• Beytüşşebap and Uludere districts were transferred from Hakkâri.

A large portion of Şırnak consists of high mountains belonging to the Southeastern Taurus system. Mountain peaks in the region rise above 3,000 meters in places. The most significant elevations are:

• Karacadağ (3,275 m)
• Altın Dağı (3,358 m)
• Cudi Dağı (2,114 m)
• Küpeli Dağı (1,848 m)
• Kelmehmet Dağı (2,502 m)
• Namaz Dağı (1,988 m)

Except for some plains in the western and southern areas, the province features deep valleys and plateaus shaped by rivers. The Tigris River is the province’s most important water source; other major rivers include Kızılsu Çayı, Habur Çayı, and Hezil Çayı. The main valleys are Dicle, Kızılsu, Behram, and Habur Valleys.

The climate in Şırnak varies according to elevation and geographic location. In the higher elevations, a harsh continental climate typical of Eastern Anatolia prevails, while other areas experience a continental climate.

• In the highland areas (Şırnak Center, Beytüşşebap, and Uludere districts), winters are severe and snowy. Cold air masses from the north cause prolonged snow cover.
• In the districts within the Southeastern Anatolia region (Cizre, İdil, Güçlükonak, and Silopi), winters are milder and summers extremely hot.

The average annual precipitation in Şırnak is approximately 633 mm. Drought is distinctly felt during summer months, while winter months bring heavy rainfall and snowfall.

Şırnak’s vegetation cover, shaped by the continental climate, consists of steppe and sparse forests in mountainous areas. Due to the harsh and dry climate, the natural vegetation is predominantly composed of steppe plants.

• In lowland areas, low shrubs and steppe vegetation are common.
• In mountainous areas, especially in the high-altitude regions around Beytüşşebap and Uludere, oak forests are found.
• Understory vegetation is generally composed of drought-resistant plants.
• On and around Cudi Dağı, alpine meadows are present.

Agricultural land is limited, but extensive plains in Cizre, Silopi, and İdil districts are suitable for agricultural production.

According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), as of 31 December 2023, Şırnak’s population was recorded at 570,745. This population consists of 296,978 males and 273,848 females, meaning males constitute 52.03% and females 47.97% of the total population.

Şırnak ranks among Türkiye’s provinces with the highest proportion of young population. In 2023, Hakkâri had the highest youth population percentage at 21.5%, while Şırnak and Siirt shared second place at 21.1%.

The average household size in the province is 4.86 persons, the highest in Türkiye. This indicates the prevalence of extended family structures in Şırnak.

The population distribution across Şırnak’s districts is as follows:

• Cizre: 163,883
• Silopi: 150,712
• Center: 105,908
• İdil: 76,698
• Uludere: 46,221
• Beytüşşebap: 14,809
• Güçlükonak: 12,595

These figures reveal that Şırnak has a young and dynamic population, with families typically organized in extended structures and a pronounced distribution of population across districts.

Şırnak is a city notable for its deep history and rich cultural heritage. Known as the city of Prophet Noah, Şırnak was a center during the Ottoman period for renowned poets who wrote in Kurdish within Classical Islamic literature. Some poets were born and spent their entire lives here, while others lived here for a period. The city has served as a home to many civilizations throughout history and left behind significant architectural works during this process.

Şırnak and its surroundings have hosted numerous important structures throughout history. The province’s most significant cultural assets include:

• Cizre Walls and Cizre Castle: Believed to have been constructed by the Gutian Empire around 4000 BCE, these structures reflect the region’s historical importance.
• Hamidiye Barracks Building: Built during the late Ottoman period by Mustafa Paşa, chief of the Cizre Miran tribe, who was appointed as a pasha by Sultan II. Abdülhamid.
• Finik Castle and Ruins: Located in Güçlükonak district, commanding a position above the Tigris River.
• Kasrik Ruins: According to tradition, these were used as a summer residence during the time of Prophet Noah and represent one of Şırnak’s important historical sites.
• Yafes Bridge and Deşt (Akabin) Bridge: These bridges, repaired in 1164, form part of the region’s historical infrastructure.

^【2】

Şırnak is an important center for religious tourism. Many narratives associate the story of Noah’s Flood with Mount Cudi. In this context, the Tomb of Prophet Noah in Cizre and the ship-shaped Cizre Walls are regarded as supporting elements of this belief. Additionally, places of worship and tombs in the city hold significant value for religious tourism:

• Cizre Grand Mosque: Estimated to have been built between 1155 and 1160, this mosque belongs to the Seljuk and Atabeg periods.
• Prophet Noah Mosque: Attributed to Prophet Noah, this mosque draws attention for its historical and spiritual significance.
• Inverted Dome Red Madrasa: One of the region’s notable educational structures.
• Abdaliye Madrasa and Mem u Zin Tomb: The heroes of the famous Kurdish literary work Mem-u Zin are buried here. Mem-u Zin is considered one of the most important love stories in Islamic literature.
• Tomb of Abu’l-İz al-Jazari: The tomb of al-Jazari, a scientist born in Cizre in 1136 and regarded as a pioneer of robotics, demonstrates the region’s contribution to the history of science and technology.
• Churches in the Idil-Midyat Basin: Churches reflecting the region’s multicultural past demonstrate that different religious communities lived together throughout history.

Cizre has produced important figures not only in religious and historical fields but also in science and technology. One such figure is al-Jazari. This great scientist, who lived in the 12th century, invented numerous automatic machines and made groundbreaking contributions to the field of robotics.

Şırnak continues to be an important center through its historical heritage, potential for religious tourism, and cultural diversity.

Faraşin Highland in Beytüşşebap district stands out for its rich vegetation and natural beauty. The highland provides an ideal environment for beekeeping and small-scale livestock farming. It is also suitable for hiking, ecotourism, and flora tourism.

^【3】

Şırnak attracts attention with its rich nature tourism areas. The province’s mountains, rivers, and valleys offer significant potential for outdoor sports and ecotourism.

• Cudi Dağı and Gabar Dağı: Important areas for mountaineering, ecotourism, and flora tourism. Cudi Dağı is also known for its religious and historical significance.
• Şahköy Waterfall: This area, noted for its natural beauty, is suitable for nature walks and picnics.
• Herekol Dağı: A favorable region for trekking and nature walks due to its rich vegetation and natural structure.
• Kızılsu, Habur, and Hezil Rivers: These rivers provide suitable conditions for rafting and sport fishing.
• Cehennem Creek: An attractive destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers due to its deep valleys and impressive rock formations.

The region is also rich in wildlife. Many wild animals such as foxes, hares, partridges, ducks, geese, and cranes live in Şırnak’s natural areas. In this respect, Şırnak holds significant potential for nature tourism and hunting tourism.

The Hesta-Belkısana Thermal Baths in Güçlükonak and the Zümrüt Thermal Baths in Beytüşşebap are important sites for thermal tourism. These spas are beneficial for treating rheumatic diseases, orthopedic conditions, and skin disorders.

Şırnak cuisine stands out for its rich and diverse dishes.

Perde Pilavı, a traditional dish made with chicken meat and almonds.

Hekeheşandi, a type of pilaf made with minced meat and eggs.

Kipe, a dish made by stuffing sheep intestines with minced meat and rice.

Meyre (Mehir), a yogurt-based dish prepared with ayran, dövme, and vegetables.

Şırnak is a city where economic activities are concentrated in various sectors including agriculture, livestock, industry, mining, and border trade. In recent years, the discovery of oil on Mount Gabar has created a major transformation in Türkiye’s energy strategy and established Şırnak as one of the country’s most important oil production centers. In addition, the region’s agricultural and livestock production capacity and the potential of border trade form the fundamental dynamics of Şırnak’s economy.

Şırnak possesses significant potential for agriculture and livestock due to its extensive agricultural land and favorable climatic conditions. Twenty-two percent of the province’s land is agricultural, 39% is forested, and 15% consists of meadows and pastures. These figures indicate the availability of vast areas suitable for agricultural and livestock activities.

Agriculture: Agriculture is a major economic activity in Şırnak. The main agricultural products grown in the province include:

• Wheat, cotton, maize, peanuts, vetch, alfalfa, grapes, fava beans, barley, lentils, mürdümük, and korunga.
• Cotton and grape production hold a particularly important place in the region’s agricultural economy.

Livestock: Livestock farming, especially small ruminant breeding, is widespread in Şırnak. The region’s geographic structure and extensive pasture areas are key supporting factors for this sector. Meat and milk production are significant, while beekeeping also draws attention. Wool, hair, leather, and egg production also contribute to the regional economy. Support projects are being implemented to enhance livestock farming, with the goal of increasing production capacity.

Beekeeping: Honey production is an important economic activity in Şırnak. Annual honey production reaches 603 tons, and this volume is expected to increase significantly under favorable conditions. In 2018, an investment of 37 million TL was made in livestock and agriculture support projects.

^【4】

Although the industrial sector in Şırnak is less developed compared to agriculture and services, significant investments have been made in mining and energy in recent years.

a) Industrial Structure

• In Şırnak, 66.67% of industrial employment is in non-metallic mineral products, 7.76% in mining and quarrying, and 6.67% in food products.

• Industries in the city include coal mining, flour mills, wool mills, ready-mix concrete plants, and plastic pipe manufacturing.

b) Organized Industrial Zones (OIZ)

Şırnak has two Organized Industrial Zones (OIZ):

1. Şırnak OIZ (76 hectares, 8% occupancy rate)

2. Cizre OIZ (82 hectares, 42% occupancy rate)

Additionally, studies are ongoing to establish small industrial sites in Silopi and İdil.

The most significant development in recent years that has positioned Şırnak strategically on Türkiye’s energy map is the discovery of oil on Mount Gabar. Oil exploration activities initiated in 2021 have enabled the region to become a major energy center.

a) Data on Türkiye’s Largest Oil Discovery

• Daily oil production on Mount Gabar has reached 75,000 barrels, a critical level within Türkiye’s total oil production.
• Şırnak has surpassed Batman, Türkiye’s largest oil production center for 77 years, to assume the leading position.
• Şırnak’s daily production exceeds 73,000 barrels, nearly doubling Batman’s production of 40,000 barrels.
• Oil production from Gabar has surpassed the combined output of Diyarbakır, Mardin, Siirt, and Adıyaman.
• • Batman: 40,000 barrels
  • Diyarbakır: 15–20,000 barrels
  • Mardin: 1,400 barrels
  • Siirt: 3,200 barrels
  • Adıyaman: 10,000 barrels
  • Şırnak (Gabar): 75,000 barrels

These figures demonstrate that Gabar oil has become one of Türkiye’s most productive fields.

b) Contribution to Türkiye’s Economy

• Each of the 77 wells drilled in the Gabar oil field produces an average of 900 to 1,000 barrels per day.
• Annual oil production contributes approximately $2 billion to Türkiye’s economy.
• This production reduces Türkiye’s dependence on imports and enhances energy supply security.
• It significantly reduces the volume of crude oil imported by Türkiye, positively impacting foreign exchange reserves.

c) Impact on Local Economy and Employment

• Growth in the oil sector has created new employment opportunities in Şırnak and revitalized the local economy.
• Oil extraction, transportation, refinery, and energy investments have accelerated infrastructure projects in the region.
• Increased employment at Gabar oil fields has enhanced economic activity in the region.

• In 2019, Şırnak’s exports amounted to $374.1 million and imports to $18.1 million.
• 92.2% of exports were directed to Iraq.
• Habur Border Gate is one of Türkiye’s most important land border crossings and handles substantial trade volume.
• Political instability and security issues have occasionally negatively affected trade.
• Strengthening logistics infrastructure in the province is essential for the sustainability of economic activities.

^【5】

Şırnak is a city located in southeastern Türkiye with access via both road and air transport. Although its geographic structure limits transportation networks, recent infrastructure projects have improved mobility.

Road Transport: Şırnak is connected to surrounding provinces via road networks. The Şırnak–Cizre Road is one of the province’s most important routes, linking Şırnak to Cizre, the region’s commercial center. In addition, the Şırnak–Van and Şırnak–Siirt roads provide connections to the east and north.

The region’s mountainous terrain occasionally causes delays in transportation, especially during winter months. However, recent road widening and improvement projects have enhanced road safety.

Air Transport: Air access to Şırnak is provided through Şerafettin Elçi Airport. Opened in 2013, the airport is located near Cizre and İdil districts and offers regular flights to major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara.

Border Gate and International Transport: Şırnak has one of Türkiye’s most important trade points through the Habur Border Gate with Iraq. Habur, one of Türkiye’s busiest land border crossings, is of great importance for both passenger and freight transport. A large portion of trade with Iraq passes through this border gate, making it a hub for logistics activities.

Rail and Sea Transport: Şırnak has no rail or sea transport infrastructure. However, with the development of industry and logistics in the region, rail projects are expected to be addressed in the coming years.

Public administration in Şırnak is carried out by two main governing bodies: the governorship and the municipality. The governorship represents central government, while the municipality manages local services.

The Şırnak Governorship is a central government body operating under the Ministry of Interior. The governor is appointed by the President of the Republic and is responsible for the overall administration of the province. The governorship’s duties include maintaining public order, implementing security services, coordinating public services such as education, health, and transportation, and implementing state policies locally. On 19 September 2024, Birol Ekici was appointed as governor of Şırnak by the Decree of Governors.

Şırnak Municipality functions as the local administrative body. The mayor, along with the municipal council and executive committee, is responsible for planning and implementing local services. The mayor and municipal council members are elected by the public and serve as representatives of the local population. In the local elections held on 31 March 2024, AK Party candidate Mehmet Yarka was elected mayor with 18,033 votes, securing 47.58% of the vote.