Siverek (District)

Siverek is located in the northwest of Şanlıurfa Province in Türkiye’s Southeastern Anatolia Region. It is situated 95 km from the provincial center of Şanlıurfa. To the east it borders the districts of Adıyaman and Gerger, to the south Hilvan district, to the west across the Atatürk Dam Lake Adıyaman Province, and to the north Diyarbakır Province. The district covers an area of 4,208 km² and is geographically part of the Upper Euphrates Section.

Siverek (Şanlıurfa Municipality)

History

Settlement in Siverek dates back to the 2000s BCE. It has come under the rule of various civilizations including the Hittites, Assyrians, Urartians, Medes and Persians. Following Alexander the Great’s conquest of Anatolia, the district became part of the Kingdom of Macedon and later remained under Roman and Byzantine rule. With the arrival of Muslim Arabs in Anatolia, it became one of the significant settlements during the Umayyad and Abbasid periods. Subsequently, it was governed by the Seljuks, Artuqids, Ayyubids and Akkoyunlus. In 1517, during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim, it was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman period it was recorded as a kaza subordinate to the Diyarbekir Eyalet. After the proclamation of the Republic, it retained its status as a district of Şanlıurfa Province.

Siverek (Siverek Subgovernorship)

Geographical Structure

To the east of the district lies the extinct volcano Karacadağ, while to the west flows the Euphrates River. The extensions of the Southeastern Taurus Mountains extend into the northeastern part of the district. Elevation increases from west to east and northward. The average altitude in Siverek is 800 meters. The district has a continental climate with hot dry summers and cold wet winters. The terrain is mountainous, rugged and interspersed with plains.

Economy

The economy of Siverek is based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Crops cultivated include wheat, barley, lentils, cotton, maize and chickpeas. Animal husbandry involves raising both small and large livestock. In recent years, improvements in irrigation have led to developments in fruit and vegetable cultivation.

Cultural Structure

Traditional ways of life continue to prevail in rural areas of Siverek. During weddings, holidays and special occasions, local folk dances are performed and traditional clothing is worn. One of the regional folk dances is called "govend". Local cuisine and grain-based products are widespread in the district. Siverek also has a rich tradition of oral culture and folk music.