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DIY → ESB
Which side of the plane to sit from Diyarbakir Airport (Diyabakir) to Esenboğa International Airport (Ankara)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers a superior view of Turkey's major hydrological and geological landmarks, including the Euphrates reservoirs and the massive Mount Erciyes volcano.
Tigris River
Immediately after takeoff, view the ancient Tigris River and the lush Hevsel Gardens surrounding Diyarbakir.
Karakaya Dam
A breathtaking view of the massive Euphrates River reservoir as it snakes through deep mountain canyons.
Mount Erciyes
Look for the iconic 3,917m snow-capped volcanic peak near Kayseri roughly halfway through the flight.
Lake Hirfanlı
A vast, turquoise-colored reservoir on the Kızılırmak River that stands out against the arid Central Anatolian landscape.
Central Anatolian Plateau
Panoramic views of the patchwork agricultural fields that define the heart of Turkey's high plateau.
Opt for the left side on morning flights to have the sun behind you for clearer photos of Mount Erciyes. In winter, the snow cover on the Taurus and Erciyes mountains makes this side exceptionally scenic. Keep an eye out for the deep blue hues of the Karakaya reservoir about 20 minutes after departure.
Diyarbakir City Walls
Spot the famous black basalt walls and the unique shield-shaped layout of the old city during the initial climb.
Anti-Taurus Mountains
Enjoy views of the rugged, jagged mountain ranges of Eastern Anatolia stretching toward the northern horizon.
Keban Dam Reservoir
Visible in the distance to the north, this is one of the largest artificial lakes in the country.
Anatolian Steppe
Observe the fascinating geological folds and seasonal color shifts of the high altitude plains.
Ankara Urban Sprawl
During the descent into Esenboğa, watch the dense urban landscape of the capital city unfold.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or sunset flights, offering a golden glow over the Eastern Anatolian mountains. Watch for the dramatic transition from the mountainous East to the flatter Central Anatolian plains. Have your camera ready during takeoff for a rare aerial perspective of the UNESCO-listed city walls.
Distance: 670 km (416 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 7 min
Departure: DIY (37.893901825, 40.2010002136)
Arrival: ESB (40.1281013489, 32.995098114)
Route Type: Domestic
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