Hasankeyf Attractions

An old bridge dominates the town of Hasankeyf 110km/68mi northeast of Mardin. It crosses the Tigris which narrows at this point. The town was established as Cephe (Kiphas) by the Romans as a border post against the Persians. Under Byzantium it became an important bishop's see. The town's prosperity ended when it fell to the Artukids and Ayyubids and later a Mongol invasion. Four arches remain from the old bridge which was restored in the 12th century. On a rock overlooking the bridge lie the remains of the Artukid palace, which can be reached via a steep flight of steps through three gateways.