Şirvan is a town located in the Southeast Anatolian Region, north of Siirt province, notable for its attached gardens, rivers, mosque and madrasah, inn, bathhouse, bazaar, and developed market, all built on flat land. Formerly known as Küfre, Şirvan was recorded as one of the four districts connected to the Siirt Sanjak in the 1871 Diyarbekir Salnamesi (Provincial Yearbook). The Küfre Beylik maintained its dominance in Şirvan for a long period, and a neighborhood named "Küfre," dating from this era, has survived to the present day.
Historical Development
Şirvan's history is deeply rooted. The region came under the influence of the Roman Empire in 77 AD, then within the borders of the Byzantine Empire from 395, and the Sasanian Empire in 572. In the 700s, Şirvan came under Arab rule, then under the control of the Artukid Principality in the 1100s, and the Mongols in 1243. In 1514, it was incorporated into Ottoman territory. Before the Republic, under Ottoman administration, Şirvan was one of the oldest settlements connected to the Siirt Sanjak, and it continued its existence as a sub-district of Bitlis Province before Siirt gained provincial status in 1871.
Geographical Location
Şirvan is located immediately north of Siirt province and has an area of 1,034 km². It is bordered by Pervari District to the east, Baykan District to the west, Bitlis Province to the north, Hizan District to the northeast, and Siirt Province to the south. The district has 55 villages, and its terrain is generally rugged. Şirvan's main mountains are Hasteri Mountain to the north, Bardak Mountain, Siser Hill, and Bacavan Mountain to the northeast, and Kaş Mountain to the south. The climate of the region has continental characteristics; winters are cold, summers are hot, and the autumn and winter seasons are rainy.
Economic Situation
Şirvan's economy is predominantly based on animal husbandry. In addition, agricultural products such as walnuts, pistachios, pomegranates, and rice also hold an important place. Since 1965, economic life has shown continuous development. Rice production, carried out in an area of approximately 100 hectares, is one of the district's main sources of livelihood. Furthermore, animal husbandry and salt mines in the district center also hold economic importance. Copper mines located in Maden Village, with a visible reserve of 27 million tons, are yet to be opened for operation. Although there has been a decline in animal husbandry compared to past years, beekeeping has become a new source of income for the people with the distribution of beehives by the district governor's office recently. Greenhouse farming and trout facilities are also newly established initiatives that encourage productivity and are seen as alternative sources of livelihood for the public.
Transportation
Şirvan is 26 km away from the Siirt provincial center. Although there is no village without a road in the district, the inadequate structure of village roads causes serious problems in transportation, especially during rainy weather and in winter months. Şirvan continues its existence as one of Siirt's important districts with its rich history, geographical location, and economic potential.
