Hevsel Gardens, Ancient orchard near Tigris River in Diyarbakir, Turkey.
Hevsel Gardens cover a large area of stepped terraces between the Diyarbakir Fortress and the Tigris River, with natural springs feeding water from beneath basalt cliffs. The land yields fruits, vegetables, and timber throughout the year, supporting local agriculture.
Archaeological evidence shows farming occurred here as far back as the 4th century, when these gardens fed the local population. Over many centuries they remained essential to food supply and regional economy.
The gardens remain central to local life, supplying fresh produce to neighborhood markets and connecting residents to traditional farming practices that have shaped the region for centuries. Families continue to work the terraced land using methods passed down through generations.
Access is on foot across the stepped terrain, and early morning offers the most pleasant conditions before heat builds up. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as there are few facilities once you enter the gardens.
More than 180 bird species and mammals including otters and foxes live here, turning the gardens into a wildlife refuge in the middle of the city. This concentration of animals and their variety is remarkable for an urban location.
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