Travel Notes
Hasuni Caves
A 3,000-year-old cave city in Silvan: 300 caves, 12 cisterns, a 6-storey structure and a tough but rewarding hike.
In brief
The Hasuni Caves are an ancient cave city in the Hasuni Valley in Diyarbakır's Silvan district, dating back to around 1000 BC (Stone Age). It is one of the oldest cave settlements in Anatolia.
There are 300 caves and 12 water cisterns in total. People began carving the rock to settle, to find shelter and to hunt. The entrance routes to some of the caves cannot be found, and some have collapsed or are dangerous.
The most striking find: the first 6-storey cave structure in history. The floors sit on top of one another (1st floor, 2nd floor, 3rd floor, 4th floor, 5th floor, 6th floor) and are marked with signboards. Ceilings are low and cracked, and some rooms may once have been used as toilets.
Along the way there is a church (with tie-down spots in the ceiling), cistern systems (rain and snow water collected on the mountaintop) and, at the summit, a sultan's cave (with two windows). The climb to the summit takes about 1.5–2 hours; the trail is very tiring, with forked paths and no signs.
Route, in order
From the valley floor to the summit.
Valley entrance and the first caves
The trail climbs from the start toward the top. The entrance routes to the caves opposite cannot be found, and some have collapsed. The slow climb upward begins.
Trying to get inside
A closed cave entrance was found; getting in is a hassle but worth it. The ceiling is low and the cracked stones are dangerous.
Paths and forks
The trail gets steeper, with forks and no signs. It makes you wonder, "Would anyone put a sign here?" We took a wrong path and turned back.
Ancient church structure
There are places carved into the ceiling for tying things down. People are said to have worshipped here. We explored with music playing.
Mountaintop water cisterns
There are several cisterns. Rain and snow water collected and was used throughout the year. Smart water management.
The first 6-storey cave building in history
From the bottom up: 1st floor, 2nd floor, 3rd floor, 4th floor, 5th floor, 6th floor. Marked with signboards. This may be the first example of this type of structure in history.
Views along the way, and birds
Beautiful birds along the trail (eating green and red fruits the size of peas). Airy views and a pass where two mountains meet.
Sultan's Cave and the summit
A cave with two windows, which must have been the home of someone important. The view from the summit is magnificent. "It would be great to camp here," we said. We asked a local for permission.
The way back
Going down is easier than going up, and we jogged down. Once on the paved road, we looked for a bus or minibus. About 2 hours 15 minutes in total. Snacks are a must.
Places to see
The main stops at the Hasuni Caves.
Hasuni Valley
An ancient settlement dating back to 1000 BC. 300 caves, 12 cisterns. Traces of the Stone Age.
6-Storey Cave Building
A floor-by-floor example. Signboards from the 1st floor to the 6th. Very valuable for historians.
Church Cave
Tie-down hollows in the ceiling. A place of worship. A tour with a musical atmosphere.
Cistern System
Rain and snow water collected on the mountaintop. 12 in all. Supplied water all year round.
Nature and Birds
Colorful birds eating fruit along the trail. Airy views, great for photos.
Sultan's Cave
At the summit, with two windows. The home of someone important. Camping potential (with permission).
Hiking Route
No signs, forked paths. 1.5–2 hours up. Comfortable shoes, water and snacks are a must.
Photo Spots
The 6-storey structure, the summit view, the valley panorama, the inside of the church, the cistern entrance.
Good to know
Practical notes.
Comfortable trekking shoes are a must
The route is a trail with slippery stones, steep climbs, forks and no signs. Wear boots or sneakers with good grip.
Bring water and snacks
The hike takes 1.5–2 hours, with no vendors and no water on site. At least 1.5 L of water and energy snacks (nuts, chocolate, fruit).
Download a map/GPX
There are no signs and the trails fork. Without an offline map (Organic Maps, Maps.me) or a GPX route on your phone, you will lose the way.
Start early in the morning
The midday sun is scorching and there is little shade. Coming down in the late afternoon, darkness may catch you. Between 09:00 and 10:00 is the ideal start.
Risky alone
The route is hard and help is hard to reach. Go with at least 2 people, preferably a group. Keep your phone charged.
~1 hour from central Diyarbakır
Head toward Silvan by private vehicle. If you are in Diyarbakır, it can fit into the same day as Zerzevan Castle (Çınar).
Avoid rainy days
Slippery stones, collapsed caves and cisterns can become dangerous. Check the weather.
Wrapping up
The tour of the 3,000-year-old cave city is over. Go back to the Türkiye page for the other southeastern routes.
A one-of-a-kind experience for those who love a nature walk through history. "I'm tired, but it was worth it" — the last words of the video.
Back to the Türkiye page
Discover the other two routes as well: Diyarbakır and Zerzevan Castle.