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Diyarbakır

Diyarbakır feels different from any other city in Turkey. When people say welcome to Kurdistan you realize why. Theres an edge to the city that is hard to explain. Some people carry a chip on their shoulder, blaming Turkey for all there problems. Predictably this sentiment comes mainly from the poor. Those who are better off will tell you that a Kurdistan will not change the situation.
The city is surrounded by basalt walls, still largely intact. Most of the sites such as the Ulu Camii and other Mosques and churches are inside the walls. Venture outside the walls and you are confronted with a city that rivals the townships of Cape Town. I guess you could argue both are a result of oppression the only difference being that the children in Cape Town were friendly. The kids here would spot you from a mile away and swarm you asking for the money. Say no and you get pelted with rocks and rubbish. Adults thankfully frowned heavily upon this.
An interesting town. Visit for the culture, not for the scenery.

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