Following breakfast we leave the hotel heading for Diyarbakir. On the way we will stop at the beautiful little town of Midyat to see the Monastery and ancient houses. The next stop is Hasankeyf, with its history that spans nine civilizations, the archaeological and religious. The history of Hasankeyf goes back 10,000 years. This predates the Giza pyramids and Stonehenge, and makes the glorious civilizations of the Maya and Inca seem as if they were flourishing just yesterday. Some of the city's historical treasures will be inundated if construction of the Ilisu Dam is completed. These include ornate mosques, Islamic tombs and cave churches. After lunch by the Tigris River we depart to Diyarbak?r. At least 5000 years old, Diyarbekir is one of the oldest cities in the world, encircled by a massive parapet built of jet-black blocks of basalt. It is a city based on a Roman plan with four Gates. A walking tour takes us to the fortification walls, the ancient walls of Diyarbakir. There will also be time to visit the Ulu (Great) Mosque from the Seljuk period, and the 3rd century Aramaic Church of the Virgin Mary. Drive to Diyarbak?r airport. |