Diyarbakir, Turkey

Capital City

With a population of 1.7 million, Diyarbakir is the largest Kurdish-majority city in Turkey. However, the city is a focal point of conflict between Turkish authorities and Kurdish separatist groups, making safety a persistent concern. The brutal crackdowns on Kurdish politicians and activists have left Diyarbakir's prison system rife with abuse and political prisoners. And while the city boasts a rich cultural heritage, decades of turmoil have taken a toll - over 70% of the historic Sur district has been demolished since 2015. Those seeking a tranquil Turkish getaway would be better served elsewhere; Diyarbakir remains a complex and often volatile regional capital.