Abroad and Hungry in Sur, Diyarbakır: 7 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Sur

Must-try foods in Sur

• Diyarbakır Ciğer Kebabı
  Diyarbakır Ciğer KebabıThe city's most iconic dish, often eaten for breakfast. It features small cubes of fresh lamb liver and tail fat seasoned with local spices, grilled on thin skewers over oak charcoal, and served with lavaş, sumac-seasoned onions, and grilled peppers.
• Kaburga Dolması
  Kaburga DolmasıA show-stopping traditional dish consisting of a whole lamb's rib cage stuffed with a rich mixture of 'Karacadağ' rice, almonds, currants, and aromatic spices. It is slow-cooked for several hours until the meat falls off the bone.
• Meftune
  MeftuneA beloved local stew characterized by its distinct sour flavor. Usually made with lamb and either eggplant or zucchini, it is simmered with plenty of garlic and a special sumac water that gives the dish its signature tangy profile.
• Burma Kadayıf
  Burma KadayıfA legendary dessert made of shredded wheat dough twisted into long ropes, filled generously with pistachios or walnuts, and baked until golden and crispy. It is finished with a drenching of thick sugar syrup.
• İçli Köfte (Diyarbakır Usulü)
  İçli Köfte (Diyarbakır Usulü)While found across Turkey, the Diyarbakır version is typically boiled (haşlama) rather than fried. These thin bulgur shells are stuffed with a savory mixture of minced meat, onions, and walnuts, often served with melted butter and red pepper flakes.
• Mumbar Dolması
  Mumbar DolmasıA traditional delicacy of sheep intestines stuffed with a spiced filling of rice or bulgur, minced meat, and local herbs. It is a labor-intensive dish that is highly prized in the historic Sur district.

Trip guide

• About Sur
  About SurSavaş is a neighborhood located within the Sur district of Diyarbakır, situated inside the city’s basalt fortifications. The area is part of the Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.
• When to go
  When to goThe best months to visit the Savaş neighborhood in Sur, Diyarbakır, are from April to June and September to early November. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly mild and ideal for exploring the historic narrow streets and city walls, avoiding the sweltering summer highs that often exceed 100°F (38°C). While the spring and autumn months are peak tourism times with more activity.
• Getting around
  Getting around Sur

  • Public Bus and Minibus Municipal buses (Diyarbakır Büyükşehir Belediyesi) and local minibuses (dolmuş) connect the Diyarbakır Intercity Bus Terminal and the city center to the Sur district. Lines such as 21B, D2.
  • Taxi and Ride-Sharing Licensed yellow taxis are available 24/7 at Diyarbakır Airport (DIY) and the central bus station.
  • Walking Once inside the historic basalt walls of Sur, walking is the most effective way to navigate the Savaş neighborhood. The area's dense.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to safely navigate the historic district's uneven basalt cobblestones and narrow alleys.
  • Expect to be served several complimentary appetizer plates like salads and fresh bread before your main meat dish arrives at local restaurants.
  • Accept offers of tea from shopkeepers as a standard gesture of hospitality, even if you do not intend to make a purchase.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Sur

  • Completion of the Suriçi restoration project, featuring reconstructed basalt-stone housing and heritage sites in the Savaş neighborhood.
  • The 11th International Amed Theatre Festival, which recently concluded its 2026 run under the theme 'Dialogue for Peace'.
• Diyarbakır Travel Guide↗
  Diyarbakır Travel GuideThe official digital travel guide of the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality, featuring historical routes and cultural landmarks in the Sur district.