The Lost Gardens of Mesopotamia

The Hevsel Gardens, situated in the city of Diyarbakır, Turkey, is a rare example of gardens that have survived through centuries. This ancient garden was first established by the Romans in the 1st century AD and later expanded by the Persians. The unique feature of this garden is the complex irrigation system used to cultivate plants. The garden is irrigated with water from the Tigris River through a system of underground canals called qanats. The garden contains more than 400 species of plants, including pomegranates, figs, plums, and olives. The garden also serves as a significant habitat for bird species such as nightingales, herons, and storks. I found this place to be a hidden gem of Turkiye and a must-visit for nature lovers.