Hevsel Gardens, located in the Kurdish region of eastern Turkey, is an incredibly verdant and biodiverse natural area that is one of the most revered sights in the eastern part of the country. Its gardens, meadows and arid regions are surrounded by mesmerizing natural landscapes, dense forests and picturesque views of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. Visitors to this enchanting area will find plenty of things to explore and discover in this unique part of Turkey.
The Hevsel Gardens are a living mosaic of delightful and unique nature experiences, ranging from lush meadows and dense forests to primeval mountaintops and deep gorges. Covering a vast expanse of the Taurus Mountains, these gardens are a stunning display of the area's natural beauty. The local birds and wildlife, including gazelles, ibex and red deer, add movement and life to the gardens.
The gardens were first planted by the Assyrian Empire over 3000 years ago. The empire, in its attempt to protect its borders from enemies, planted the gardens as a natural barrier using various native plants, bulbs and flowers, creating a lush landscape of colorful flora. Over the centuries, this lush wonder has been preserved with new additions made on an annual basis. This makes Hevsel Gardens an enchanting and diverse place with something to admire from all angles.
At Hevsel Gardens, visitors will find spectacular greenery, spacious walks, numerous ponds and an abundant array of shrubs, trees and flowers, including the tulip. The gardens are home to some of the world's most beautiful and rare plants and are best experienced during spring and early summer, when the blooming of the flowers and the vibrant colors create a truly mesmerizing spectacle. In addition to sightseeing, there are plenty of opportunities here to birds, hike, bike, horseback ride and enjoy any number of outdoor activities.
The gardens are also home to the Seljuk Tower ruin, a 12th-century structure built by the Seljuk sultans, which is known for its unique and elaborate architecture. Nearby is the Nusaybin Castle, a fortress built in the 12th century by the Mamluks. The castle offers sweeping views of the Hevsel Gardens, the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers and the nearby countryside. Visitors to Hevsel Gardens will also have the chance to explore some of the area's historical sites, from traditional Kurdish villages to abandoned Ottoman caravanserais.
A trip to Hevsel Gardens is sure to offer plenty of experiences, memories and moments of exploration. Whether it’s taking in the views of the lush gardens, admiring the rare plants and wildflowers, admiring the impressive architecture of the Seljuk tower and Nusaybin Castle or simply enjoying a peaceful walk outdoors, there’s something here for everyone. Hevsel Gardens is a place of beauty, diversity and natural beauty and is sure to be one of the highlights of any eastern Turkish trip.
