Tourism in the predominantly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir in southeastern Turkey has increased as the region has become calmer amid peace negotiations between the Turkish government and the Kurdish PKK. Turkish media reported that 1.3 million domestic and international tourists visited the city in the first eight months of the year, while the authorities are targeting five million visitors by 2032. The historic centre, city walls and Hevsel Gardens, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage, are among the attractions.

Diyarbakir was the scene of heavy fighting between the PKK and the Turkish state in 2015, when large parts of the city were destroyed and thousands of people fled. The city is now quiet, but residents remain concerned about whether the negotiations will bring lasting peace and greater rights for Kurds, given that earlier peace talks failed. Businesses and tourism workers said visitors’ fears were gradually giving way to greater confidence and economic hopes.