Siirt history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Siirt is rooted in deep antiquity, and the exact date of its foundation remains unknown. Archaeological findings indicate that settlements existed in this region as far back as the Neolithic era. The city, historically known as Seert (Sayerd), developed within the context of the civilizations of Upper Mesopotamia.

The first written records associate the territory with the Assyrians and Babylonians. According to one theory, the city's name is of Semitic origin, translating from Chaldean or Syriac as "city" or "place of settlement." In ancient times, the region frequently changed hands between the Roman (later Byzantine) Empire and Persian dynasties (the Parthians and Sassanids).

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Siirt was defined by its strategic position at the junction of the Anatolian highlands and the Mesopotamian plains. The following factors played a crucial role:

• Geography and Water Resources: Proximity to tributaries of the Tigris River (specifically the Botan River) provided the region with the water necessary for agriculture and life in an arid climate.
• Trade Routes: Although Siirt was not a primary hub of the Great Silk Road, important caravan routes passed through it, connecting Van and Bitlis with Mosul and Baghdad.
• Religious Significance: With the spread of Islam in the 7th century and the subsequent arrival of the Seljuks, the city became an important spiritual centre. Madrasas flourished here, and significant religious structures were built.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Siirt was based on agriculture and craftsmanship. The region was famous for its vineyards, pistachio orchards, and livestock farming. The city gained particular renown for the production of woollen goods: the famous Siirt mohair blankets (battaniye) have been crafted here for centuries and are considered a hallmark of local culture.

The city's architectural appearance was shaped by the influence of various eras, but the Seljuk period left the most distinct mark. A symbol of this time is the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), built in the 12th century. Its unique minaret and rich decoration testify to the high level of skill of local architects and the city's economic prosperity in the Middle Ages.

Chronology of Key Events

The history of Siirt is rich with shifts in civilizations and cultural eras. Below are the main milestones in the development of the city and the region.

• Around 3000 BC — The Hurrians settle the territory, laying the foundations for the first permanent settlements in the region.
• 639 AD — The army of Iyaz bin Ganm conquers the region, bringing Islam and incorporating the city into the sphere of influence of the Arab Caliphate.
• 1129 — The Seljuk ruler Mughisuddin Mahmud reconstructs the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), erecting its famous minaret.
• 1258 — The city suffers an invasion by Mongol troops, leading to a temporary shift in the political balance of the region.
• 1514 — After the victory at the Battle of Chaldiran, Sultan Selim I incorporates Siirt into the Ottoman Empire.
• 1864 — During the administrative reforms of the Ottoman Empire, Siirt receives the status of a sanjak within the Diyarbakir (later Bitlis) Vilayet.
• 1919 — The local population actively supports the Turkish War of Independence, participating in the national movement.
• 1923 — With the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, Siirt becomes part of the new state.
• 1924 — The city receives the status of an administrative centre of a separate province (il).
• 1990 — The districts of Batman and Şırnak are separated from Siirt to become independent provinces, shaping the region's modern borders.
• 2007 — Siirt University is founded, becoming a driver of the city's educational and social development.
• 2019 — The Botan River Valley receives National Park status, cementing the region's status as an important natural landmark.

Stages of City Development and Transformation

The development of Siirt is the story of an ancient trading settlement transforming into a modern administrative and educational hub. Below are the key milestones that have had the greatest impact on the city's economic and urban landscape.

• Formation of the Architectural Code (12th Century). The construction and reconstruction of the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) during the Seljuk period set the direction for urban planning.
  Significance: The mosque's minaret became the main symbol of the city, around which residential neighbourhoods (mahalle) formed over centuries, preserving a unique eastern style of development.
• Provincial Centre Status (1924). After the proclamation of the Republic, Siirt became the capital of the province of the same name.
  Significance: This led to the creation of government institutions, hospitals, and schools, cementing the city's role as the administrative core of the region and stimulating an influx of population from surrounding villages.
• Administrative Reform and Separation of Batman (1990). Until this time, the oil fields of Batman were part of Siirt. In 1990, Batman became a separate province.
  Significance: Siirt lost a significant portion of industrial revenue, forcing the city to reorient its economy. An active focus began on agriculture (pistachios) and light industry (textiles).
• Foundation of Siirt University (2007). The opening of a major higher education institution became a driver of modern urbanization.
  Significance: The influx of thousands of students revitalized social life, stimulated a construction boom, and developed the rental housing market, cafes, and transport infrastructure.
• Hydroelectric Construction (2010s–2020s). The implementation of large-scale dam and hydroelectric power plant projects (including the Alkumru Dam) on the Botan River.
  Significance: These projects changed the natural landscape around the city, improved the region's power supply, and created new prospects for water tourism in the canyons, although they required the resettlement of some residents.
• Branding of Local Products (21st Century). Official registration of geographical indications for Siirt pistachios and mohair blankets.
  Significance: A transition from artisanal production to export-oriented trade. This strengthened the city's economic identity as a centre of unique crafts and agriculture.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Design

The urban fabric of Siirt has been shaped over centuries by the landscape and climate of Southeastern Anatolia. The city's historical centre is a labyrinth of narrow streets where stone buildings stand closely together, creating shade and coolness. A unique feature of local architecture is the use of "cas" material—a special gypsum-lime mortar that has been used for centuries in the construction of residential homes and public buildings, giving the old quarters a characteristic light hue.

Main Eras and Architectural Styles

The architecture of Siirt intertwines traditions of various civilizations that succeeded one another in Upper Mesopotamia. The main stylistic directions can be correlated with historical periods as follows:

• Seljuk Style (12th–13th Centuries): Characterized by monumentality and the masterful use of decorative brickwork and glazed tiles. The brightest example is the minaret of the Grand Mosque, adorned with turquoise ceramics and geometric ornaments typical of eastern architectural schools of that time.
• Ottoman Style (16th–19th Centuries): During this period, architecture acquired features of Ottoman classicism adapted to local materials. Domed mosques, hammams, and covered markets were built. Stone masonry became more austere, with an emphasis on the durability and functionality of public spaces.
• Vernacular (Folk) Architecture: Traditional "Cas Houses" (Cas Evleri). This is a distinctive style shaped by the climate. Houses were built with flat roofs and thick walls for protection against the summer heat, with small windows often facing inner courtyards rather than the street.
• Modern Functionalism (20th–21st Centuries): With the city's growth, districts with standard multi-storey buildings appeared. Modern Siirt is actively expanding through new quarters (Yenişehir) and the university campus, where concrete and glass predominate.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The appearance of Siirt is defined by several key structures that have become its architectural landmarks:

• Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque): The main symbol of the city. Its famous leaning minaret is often compared to the Tower of Pisa. The building embodies the spirit of the Seljuk era and serves as the main orientation point in the historical centre.
• Historical Quarters (Karakol and Ülkü): The atmosphere of the old city is partially preserved here, with examples of traditional mansions built from "cas" material.
• Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi): An elegant structure built in the early 20th century and restored in the 1970s. It is an example of late urban architecture, symbolizing the transition to modern times.

Famous Natives and Historical Figures

Siirt, being a crossroads of cultures and a scientific centre in the past, is linked to the names of prominent thinkers, scholars, and modern figures. Below are key individuals who have left a mark on the history of the city and the country.

• Ismail Fakirullah (1656–1734)
  Role: Islamic theologian, astronomer, and educator.
  Significance: Founder of a scientific school in the Tillo district. He transformed the surroundings of Siirt into one of the most important educational centres of Eastern Anatolia in the 18th century. His mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage site (on the tentative list).
• Ibrahim Hakki (1703–1780)
  Role: Polymath, physicist, sociologist, and mystic.
  Significance: A student of Ismail Fakirullah. Although born in Erzurum, he created his major scientific works, including the famous "Book of Knowledge" (Marifetname), in Siirt. He designed a unique astronomical mechanism (the "Light Phenomenon") that illuminates his teacher's tomb with the first rays of the sun on the days of the equinox.
• Veysel Karani (Uwais al-Qarani) (7th Century)
  Role: Islamic righteous figure and mystic.
  Significance: A contemporary of the Prophet Muhammad. Although historically he lived in Yemen, his revered tomb is located in the Baykan district of Siirt province, serving as a major centre for religious tourism in the region for centuries.
• Sultan Memduh (1761–1847)
  Role: Sufi poet and philosopher.
  Significance: Grandson of Ismail Fakirullah. Author of a divan (collection of poems) in three languages, making a significant contribution to the literary and spiritual heritage of the region. His works are still studied by theologians today.
• Coşkun Aral (born 1956)
  Role: World-renowned photojournalist, war correspondent, and documentarian.
  Significance: A native of Siirt. One of Turkey's most respected journalists, whose work has been published in Time, Newsweek, and Paris Match. Founder of Turkey's first documentary television channel, İZ TV.
• Emine Erdoğan (born 1955)
  Role: First Lady of Turkey, social activist.
  Significance: Comes from a prominent family in the city of Siirt. Actively supports social projects aimed at girls' education and environmental protection ("Zero Waste" project), helping to draw attention to the development of her historical region.