Sunken City of Hasankeyf

The city, which is mentioned with the names Kifos and Cepha / Ciphas, derived from the Syriac word Kifo, due to its dwellings carved into the rocks, was called "Hısnı Keyfa" meaning "City of Caves" or "City of Rocks". The name "Hısn-ı keyfa" turned into Hısnıkeyf during the Ottoman period and Hasankeyf among the people. Hasankeyf, which is connected to the Batman province of Turkey, is a historical place divided into two by the world-famous Dicle River.

It also means that it should be preserved as a meaning by looking at the languages of the ancient tribes. The city was thoroughly flooded in 2020 due to the waters passing under the rocks, as well as the dam that was built. Although the work of transporting the remains was carried out by experts because it is classified as a historical heritage, its nickname has not survived from being a Sunken City. Hasankeyf has a long and glorious history due to its location. It dates back to ancient times, as it was not exposed to war but was always on migration routes. It has survived to the present day because it has not been exposed to occupations much.

However, the city, which many people from Byzantine to Muslim kingdoms began to occupy, was worn out by the conflicts of those who wanted to take control of the Iranian side. Hasankeyf was conquered by the Ottomans in 1515, when Yavuz Sultan Selim led the eastern invasion. Hasankeyf was a central dynasty that ruled the surrounding tribes during this period and also experienced significant economic and commercial developments. Hasankeyf was a large community at the time, as evidenced by the city's population of around 10,000. According to the early medieval history and writings, cultures and civilizations fused in Hasankeyf and the settled people lived in caves that were considered quite modern in medieval conditions.

We mentioned that it was submerged in 2020. Many people think that the studies on the sunken city are not enough and that the old version is more aesthetic and historical. It is up to you to decide by visiting the city, which is still on the navigable list.