General Information
The Mesopotamia Express, which begins in Ankara, Türkiye’s capital, and ends in Diyarbakır, the heart of the south-east, provides a one-of-a-kind travel experience of 1,051 kilometres, allowing passengers to explore Anatolia's iconic cities as well as fascinating scenery along the way, as well as long-haul rides at specific points.
The Mesopotamia Express travels 1,051 kilometres from Ankara, Türkiye’s capital, to Diyarbakır, the heart of the south-east providing a one-of-a-kind travel experience to its passengers. The Mesopotamia Express’ passengers can explore Anatolia's iconic cities and fascinating scenery along the way, with long-haul rides at specific points. The journey from Ankara to Diyarbakir takes 24 hours in total, passing through Kayseri, Sivas, Malatya, Elazığ, and Bingöl. The route includes three-hour breaks in Kayseri and Malatya, and a four-hour stop in Elazığ, giving guests time to rest and explore the cities' unique architecture and delightful local tastes. The train has a total capacity of 180 passengers, a 9-bed and one-dining waggon. It includes a refrigerator, lighting and heating, a lavatory, and a storage cabinet for those travelling in the compartments.
A unique route on Anatolian cultural routes
One of the key stopover points along the route, Kayseri, is a historic city nestled at the foothills of Mount Erciyes, having witnessed the rise and fall of numerous civilizations since the Hittite era. Passengers can explore the Roman-era Kayseri Castle and its fortifications, as well as remarkable Seljuk-era landmarks, including the Döner Kümbet, Ulu Mosque, and the Seljuk Civilization Museum, housed within the Gevher Nesibe Madrasa.
Beyond these, Kayseri is home to a wealth of architectural and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered, such as the Hunat Hatun Complex, Bürüngüz Mosque, Sahabiye Madrasa, and the historic Covered Bazaar.
Malatya, another stops of the express, is a crossroads of trade and cultural exchange between Mesopotamia and Anatolia today, as it was in history. Arslantepe Mound, registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, proves the city's historical heritage. During the break, passengers can see the historical buildings of the city, such as the Old Malatya Ulu Mosque, as well as the city walls can buy handmade copper items at the Coppersmiths' Bazaar and taste local apricots at the Şire Market.
Elazığ, the next stop of the route, has been a centre of faith, culture and health for centuries with its location on the trade routes. The castles, bazaars, mosques, and baths adorn this ancient city, the homeland of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, are like silent witnesses of glorious times. The city's must-see attractions include Harput Castle, the Church of the Virgin Mary, one of Anatolia's oldest sites of worship, and the historical Harput Grand Mosque.
Diyarbakır, the Ancient City of Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia Express takes visitors to Diyarbakır, the heart of Mesopotamian culture, after an exciting journey filled with unique experiences. Diyarbakır, where the formation and development of the most important steps in the history of civilisation are traced with the common culture of 33 civilisations on its territory, is waiting to be discovered with its endless diversity, from architecture to cuisine, from traditional arts to original city life. After having breakfast at the historical Hasan Pasha Inn in the city, you should visit the Diyarbakır Walls and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape Area, which is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Other city attractions are the Grand Mosque, Prophet Süleyman Mosque, İçkale Archaeology Museum, Zerzevan Castle, and Mithras Temple. In the city, you can also see the Eğil district, which stands out with its castle, inns, churches and mosques, and the On Gözlü Bridge (Dicle Bridge/Ten-Eyed Bridge) and Malabadi Bridge. Try stuffed ribs and burma kadayıf dessert before leaving Diyarbakır. You should also listen to Dengbêj, epic narrators who can be considered modern-day Homers.