Things To Do
in Kocaköy
Kocaköy is a small, agricultural district east of Diyarbakır in southeastern Turkey, characterized by rolling hills, orchards and a mix of Kurdish and Turkish rural life. The town functions as a local service center for surrounding villages and offers a quiet, authentic look at southeastern Anatolian everyday life. Most visitors come for landscape photography, simple village hospitality and as a base to explore Diyarbakır’s historic sites and the Tigris valley.
Infrastructure is basic compared with big cities, but roads connect Kocaköy to Diyarbakır and other regional centers within an hour or two.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by strolling through the charming streets of Kocaköy's historic center, where traditional Turkish architecture meets modern life. Visit the local market to witness the vibrant colors of fresh produce and handmade crafts, mingling with friendly locals. Don't forget to grab a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local café, complete with olives, cheeses, and fresh bread.
After lunch, take a guided tour of the ancient ruins nearby, where you can explore the remnants of the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Wander through the archaeological sites, marveling at the ancient stone structures and learning about their significance. Stop by a local artisan's workshop to see traditional crafts being made and perhaps purchase a unique souvenir.
As the sun begins to set, head to a rooftop café for panoramic views of Kocaköy while you enjoy a leisurely dinner. Savor authentic Turkish dishes, such as kebabs and mezes, complemented by local wines or raki. End your evening with a leisurely walk through the city center, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere filled with local music and laughter.
Begin your day with a peaceful walk along the banks of the Tigris River, where you can enjoy the serene natural beauty of Kocaköy. Take in the fresh air and listen to the soothing sounds of the water flowing by, a perfect way to start your morning. Consider bringing along a picnic breakfast to enjoy by the river, surrounded by lush greenery.
In the afternoon, engage in activities like fishing or kayaking on the river, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape. If you're feeling adventurous, hike along the nearby trails, discovering hidden spots and enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Stop for a packed lunch at a scenic viewpoint, soaking in the beauty of nature around you.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up before heading out for dinner at a riverside restaurant. Enjoy fresh fish dishes and local specialties while watching the sun dip below the horizon. After dinner, take a relaxing evening stroll along the riverbank, where the night sky is lit by stars and the peaceful ambiance sets the perfect end to your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Tea or coffee | $0.50-2 |
| 🚌Local bus / dolmuş ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural southeastern Anatolian experience
- Close to Diyarbakır’s rich historical and cultural sites
- Great for landscape and cultural photography
- Lower costs compared with larger Turkish cities
- Limited tourist infrastructure and nightlife in town
- Hot summers and cold winters may restrict outdoor activities
- Language can be a barrier outside major towns (limited English)
- Occasional regional security advisories require attention
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Roj baş" - Good day (Kurmanji Kurdish)
- "Spas" - Thanks (Kurdish)
Places to Visit in Kocaköy
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide rural landscapes, seasonal blossoms (spring) and harvest scenes offering authentic agricultural imagery and sunrise/sunset vistas.
Massive basalt walls, historic gates and textured stone surfaces ideal for dramatic architectural and street photography (about 30–60 minutes away).
Riverside scenes, boat reflections, riverside willow trees and gardens; atmospheric at golden hour and cooler evenings.
Candid street and market photography capturing daily routines, colorful produce stalls and traditional crafts — always ask permission before photographing people.
Food in Kocaköy
Kocaköy Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled lamb skewers or minced kebabs served with flatbread and salad; widely available at lokantas and kebab shops in Kocaköy and Diyarbakır.
Must-Try!
Spiced bulgur roll with tomato and pepper paste — in this region you’ll find both traditional raw-style (vegetarian in many restaurants) and cooked versions; try it wrapped in lavash with lemon and salad.
Bulgur prepared with local butter or meat, and seasonal dolmas using local vegetables; common home-style specialties offered at family lokantas.
Sweet filo-based desserts often sold in bakeries in Diyarbakır; perfect with strong Turkish tea to finish a meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly open-air market selling fresh produce, cheeses, olives, flatbreads and seasonal fruit — best for tasting regional ingredients and buying snacks for day trips.
A short drive away, these markets offer street food such as lahmacun, gözleme, and ciğer (grilled liver) stalls, plus spices and sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress conservatively in public, especially in rural areas and when visiting mosques—women should carry a scarf for mosque visits and both sexes avoid revealing clothing.
Polite greetings (handshake or verbal) are customary; hosts may offer tea or a meal—accepting at least a cup of tea is a courteous gesture.
Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and families; some may decline for cultural reasons.
Avoid political discussions about ethnic issues or recent conflicts; steer conversations toward culture, food and daily life unless you know someone well.
Safety
Tipping in Kocaköy
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, round up fares for taxis, and give small sums to porters or for helpful guides.
Turkish lira is standard; credit/debit cards are accepted at larger establishments in Diyarbakır but carry cash for small lokantas, markets and rural vendors. ATMs are available in larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures (mild days, cool nights), wildflowers and orchard blossoms make it ideal for hiking and photography; occasional rain — bring a light jacket.
Hot and dry, especially July–August; daytime heat can be intense, so plan outdoor activities for mornings/evenings and carry water and sun protection.
Cooling temperatures, harvest season in orchards and vineyards, comfortable for travel and outdoor exploration; early nights are cooler so pack layers.
Cold with possible snow and frosts; roads in higher areas can be slippery — expect reduced outdoor options and dress warmly if visiting between December and February.
Kocaköy at Night
Hiking in Kocaköy
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local paths through orchards and terraces suitable for morning or late-afternoon hikes—excellent for photography and gentle walks.
Riverside walking routes and gardens in Diyarbakır offering flat, scenic trails with cultural landmarks nearby.
Longer rural routes across plateaus and low hills for multi-hour treks or cycling; carry water and a map, and inform locals of your route.
Airports
How to reach Kocaköy by plane.
The nearest major airport serving Diyarbakır with flights to Istanbul and regional hubs—about a 40–90 minute drive depending on exact location in the district; good gateway for reaching Kocaköy by road.
A regional airport east of Diyarbakır serving domestic routes; reachable by a longer drive (couple of hours) and useful as an alternative depending on flight schedules.
Larger regional airport to the north-west with domestic connections; roughly two to three hours by road and sometimes used as an alternative for regional travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Kurdish people form the majority in many villages and districts around Kocaköy, with Kurdish language (Kurmanji) commonly spoken in addition to Turkish.
Ethnic Turks live in the area as well, contributing to a mixed cultural landscape and bilingual public life.
Many residents are involved in farming, orchard work and local trades; communities tend to be family-oriented with multi-generational households.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region with passionate local support for Diyarbakır clubs and community matches in villages and towns.
Traditional forms of wrestling and local athletic festivals appear at regional events and celebrations, reflecting Anatolian sporting culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kocaköy.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (bulgur dishes, lentil soups, stuffed vegetables, çiğ köfte in cooked form), but menus are meat-heavy—communicate clearly and ask for vegetable-based mezes or pide with cheese and eggs.
More limited: fresh salads, lentil soup, and some bulgur dishes can work; bring snacks if you have strict requirements and learn key phrases to explain restrictions.
Challenging due to widespread use of bulgur and breads; rice and grilled meats are safer choices, but cross-contamination is common — clarify with cooks.