History and archaeology / Rock tomb
Hilar Caves (Rock Tombs)
Ergani, Diyarbakır
Rock-cut caves just south of Çayönü, used as tombs between AD 100 and 325; registered as an archaeological site in 2024.
Safety warning
Its story
The Hilar Caves are in the limestone cliffs that encircle the Hüşot Plain in a crescent shape, southwest of Ergani. Besides hollows formed by natural erosion, the site has burial chambers cut by hand and was used as a rock cemetery between AD 100 and 325. The first excavations were carried out in 1979, and work in 2006–2010 uncovered burial chambers, niche and boat-shaped graves and relief-decorated facades. Registered in 2024 as the 'Hilar Caves Archaeological Site', it is Diyarbakır's first official archaeological site (ören yeri). It can be seen on the same trip as Çayönü Tepesi, about 500 meters to the north; the soft colors of the cliffs are especially good for photography in the late afternoon.
Key facts
- Period
- AD 100–325
- Admission
- Paid (e-ticket via muze.gov.tr)
- Getting there
- 7 km southwest of Ergani, Sesverenpınar
- Visit duration
- 1 hour
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Day trip
Location
38.21398, 39.72849
Where to eat nearby
No food & drink venues listed nearby.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://turkishmuseums.com/museum/detail/22370-diyarbakir-hilar-caves/22370/4 | https://kulturenvanteri.com/yer/hilar-magaralari/ | https://diyarbakirhafizasi.org/en/a-birds-eye-tour-of-ergani/ | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/500313617