TCDD Transportation's eagerly awaited Touristic Diyarbakır Express successfully completed its first journey, starting from Ankara Train Station and extending to Diyarbakır on April 11. TCDD Transportation Deputy General Manager Şems Çakıroğlu, Customer Services Department Head Murat Akçay and members of the press also accompanied this special first journey of the season.
A Historical and Cultural Break in Malatya
Passengers arriving in Malatya, the first stop of the touristic Diyarbakır Express, in the morning were warmly welcomed by Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Yener Oba and the people of Malatya with folk dances and flowers. During the three-hour break, passengers had the opportunity to discover the rich historical and cultural heritage of the city. Arslantepe Mound, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, was one of the highlights of the trip. Passengers who admired the unique architecture of Malatya on the art street in the city center went on a nostalgic journey at the Camera Museum, which sheds light on the history of photography. The surprise snowfall in April brought the beauties of different seasons together to the journey. On the way back from Malatya, the unique view of the Railway Bridge over the Karakaya Dam Lake offered a fascinating visual feast.
Ancient Texture of Diyarbakir Discovered
After a pleasant journey of approximately 26 hours, the Touristic Diyarbakır Express reached Diyarbakır Train Station on Saturday, April 12. Passengers were enthusiastically welcomed with local games by Diyarbakır Governor Murat Zorluoğlu, Culture and Tourism Provincial Director Mehmet Sabahattin Genç and the people of Diyarbakır. Passengers who stayed one night in Diyarbakır toured the important points and lively bazaars of this historical city that has a history of thousands of years and has hosted many civilizations with interest. The tour, which started in the historical İç Kale in the Sur district, shed light on the deep history of the city with a visit to the Diyarbakır Museum. In this ancient city where different beliefs have lived together peacefully for centuries, the Surp Giragos Church, Diyarbakır Ulu Mosque and the four-legged minaret, which are located close to each other, were visited. In Diyarbakır, which also dazzles with its historical inns, passengers who danced the halay on the iconic Ten-Eyed Bridge over the Tigris River experienced unforgettable moments towards sunset. The unique views of the green meadows, reeds and majestic mountains along the Diyarbakır-Elazığ route turned the train journey into a visual feast. Passengers who witnessed wildlife from the train window had a unique experience.
Journey to Elazığ and Historical Harput
Starting its return journey on Sunday, April 13, the Touristic Diyarbakır Express took a four-hour break at Elazığ’s Yolçatı Station in the evening. After visiting the Elazığ City Museum in the city center, the passengers set off for Harput, which resembles an open-air museum with its historical texture. Passengers who enjoyed the enchanting view of Harput Castle also visited the Press Museum, Hasan Hamam Museum and Harput Music Museum to witness the cultural richness of the region up close. After the break in Elazığ, the touristic train set off for Ankara and completed its first successful journey of the new season by reaching Ankara Train Station on Monday, April 14, 2025 evening. The Touristic Diyarbakır Express provided an unforgettable travel experience with the different atmospheres offered by seasonal transitions and the historical and cultural riches on the route.
