SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA REGION

Provinces:Adiyaman, Batman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Kilis, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sirnak
Sights: Commagene, Nemrut Dag (Mount Nemrut), Hasankeyf, Zeugma, Gobeklitepe

This region is geographically the smallest region of Turkey representing only 9.7% of the total area of Turkey with its 75.000 square kilometers of land. Despite this, it is certainly not that small in respect to the natural and historical beauties it possesses. This region of ancient cities, is adorned by attractive natural wonders, constituting an original mixture of landscaped sights and historical buildings. Thanks to GAP (Southeastern Anatolian Project) the area is undergoing a period of great changes. Examples of the positive impact of this project are evident in the many farming lands and dam lakes recentley formed.

Climate and nature

Valleys and Plateaus occupy large areas in the southern part of the southeast Taurus mountains. The Central section is very mountainous and towards the east it is generally flat. The summers are long, hot and dry, with high evaporation. The winters are cold and rainy. Although the mountainous areas are affected by a continental climate, the western region shows the typical characteristics of a mediterranean climate.