Botan River

Quick Facts

• Type: River
• Location: Southeastern Turkey
• Mouth: Tigris River
• Region: Kurdish areas of Turkey

Overview

The Botan River (Bohtan) flows through rugged valleys in southeastern Turkey before joining the Tigris. Its gorge landscapes shape the Bohtan region and create some of the area’s most dramatic scenery.

Historically, the river corridor has linked highland villages with the plains of Mesopotamia, influencing settlement and trade routes.

Landscape and Culture

Steep cliffs and river terraces define the Botan valley, with orchards and small farms along the banks. The river remains a central geographic reference in Kurdish cultural memory.

Notes

Sections of the river are popular for rafting and canyon views during spring and early summer.