Eğil

Eğil (pronounced eh-eel) is a town in Southeastern Anatolia. It's a district in Diyarbakır Province of Turkey, and is home to a population of nearly 21,500 people. The town is regionally famous for its historic site called the "Prophets' Tombs" (Eğil Peygamberler Kabri).

Understand

Eğil is an undeveloped small town and the district is sparsely populated. So it's best to day trip from Diyarbakır or Ergani. At first glance, the town may look unpromising, but it has a variety of places to see and things to do. Indeed, the locals of Diyarbakır and other neighbouring towns visit Eğil once in a while to chill and take in the historic and religious atmosphere.

Get in

Eğil is reached by a road that branches off the highway roughly midway between Diyarbakır and Ergani. This road continues towards the town of Dicle.

Direct buses start from Batı İlçe Otogarı in Diyarbakır.

There is no railway in Eğil.

See

• The Prophets' Tomb (Eğil Peygamberler Kabri) is believed to contain the tombs of nine prophets, including Elijah, locally known as Hz Elyasa. This is a popular pilgrimage site in the region.
• The Castle of Eğil is presumed to be built by the Assyrians. The local government is hopeful for a UNESCO listing, but there is no development on that front so far.

Do

• Take a boat tour along the Tigris River.

Eat

The local cuisine shares a lot of its characteristics with those of Diyarbakır and Ergani. Meftune is a popular dish.

Being on the Tigris, Eğil has fish restaurants serving the fresh catch.

Go next

• Diyarbakır — the province capital
• Ergani — a relatively developed nearby town; a visit there can be easily combined with a trip to Eğil