True or false: There’s a city in Turkey called Batman. Any guesses?

The answer is true—and there’s both good news and bad news associated with it. The good news is that indeed, there exists a city named Batman, situated deep within Turkey, a country the Batman franchise didn’t perceive until long after its inception in 1939. Notably, while the naming of the city occurred long after the character’s debut, the similarity in names is purely coincidental.

The History of Batman’s Name

Batman is now a city (and a province), but up until 60 years ago, it was merely a village home to only a few thousand inhabitants. Interestingly, both the city and its province had different names: the village that evolved into Batman was called Iluh, while its province was referred to as Siirt, a change that took place in the late 1950s.

For those familiar with the character Batman, it might raise an eyebrow. The renaming occurred nearly two decades after the character’s introduction—could there be more to this than mere coincidence? Unfortunately, no. The names of the Batman city and province were derived not from the DC comic superhero but rather from the Batman River that courses through the area.

Things to Do in Batman, Turkey

Unsurprisingly, activities in Batman, Turkey are somewhat limited, particularly for tourists visiting the country. Although some Roman ruins are found on the outskirts, they are relatively minor compared to other significant sites in the nation.

In fact—and this is a fact—one of the most popular attractions for visitors is finding one of the iconic “Batman” signs along the highway entering the city and posing for pictures next to it.

Due to its proximity to the Iraqi border, Batman has a notable Kurdish population, making it an excellent place to learn about Kurdish culture without venturing into Iraq. Locals are typically very open to discussing Kurdish issues, a rarity in Turkey where such conversations often remain taboo.

Like many cities in interior Turkey, Batman isn’t known for a vibrant nightlife—it’s often challenging, if not impossible, to find alcohol. However, a notable eatery with a meaningful social mission exists here: “Labor Women”. This restaurant is an excellent choice for tea or breakfast and supports vulnerable women by addressing their immediate needs and advocating for their rights.

How to Visit Batman, Turkey

Traveling to Batman is straightforward. The most convenient option is to fly with Turkish Airlines, which offers daily nonstop flights from Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport. Alternatively, low-cost Pegasus Airways operates from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, located on the Asian side of Istanbul.

If you opt not to fly from other major Turkish air hubs, such as Ankara and Izmir, your best approach is to travel to Batman from nearby cities within the Anatolia region, particularly Diyarbakır or Kurtalan.