History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Historical Cas Houses, which form the ancient urban texture of Siirt for thousands of years, are original civil architectural masterpieces built with 'cas' (gypsum mortar obtained by burning limestone at high temperatures) material, which is unique to this geography in the world. These houses were built with thick stone walls, domed ceilings and 'sabat' (arched street tunnels) that cover the narrow streets and create shady passages; It provides a natural air-conditioning coolness inside in desert heat exceeding 45 degrees in summer and a warm shelter in winter. It is a living architectural heritage with its high courtyards that protect neighborhood law and privacy, relief flower motifs carved on cass and geometric niches. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located in the historical city center of Siirt (Karakol, İnönü and Ulus Neighborhoods), at an altitude of approximately 890 meters. It is a historical urban site texture woven with narrow labyrinth streets and sabat arches. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the historical streets and sabats is free; The restored cultural houses are open to the public.•Visiting Hours and Days:The street texture can be visited all day long, 7 days a week.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Streets are paved and stepped; Walking shoes with comfortable soles are recommended. Historical casing plasters should not be damaged.•Facilities and Facilities:There are restored historical mansion cafes, boutique recreation areas and traditional handicraft workshops. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Karakol and İnönü Neighborhoods, Inside the Historical Bazaar, Center / Siirt.•Road Condition and Vehicle Suitability: Located in the historical pedestrian zone in the city center; The vehicles are left in the Cumhuriyet Square car parks and walked.•Real Public Transportation Information: All public transportation vehicles in the city pass near the historical neighborhoods.•Parking Availability:Parking lots around Cumhuriyet Street and the historical bazaar can be used. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photo Spots and Frames:Depth perspective of sabats (vaulted street passages), bay-windowed houses with white cas facades and ornate wooden door knockers.•Light and Shooting Hours:Early mornings and noon hours, when sunlight filters into the narrow streets in beams.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Siirt's famous kitel (boiled stuffed meatballs), büryan kebab and zivzik pomegranate juice should be tried in the historical bazaar.