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IST → DIY
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Diyarbakir Airport (Diyabakir)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior panoramic view of Istanbul's historic peninsula upon departure, the stunning white expanse of Tuz Gölü in Central Anatolia, and the massive turquoise waters of the Atatürk Dam on the Euphrates River.
Istanbul Skyline
Stunning views of the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and the Marmara Sea coastline during departure.
Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake)
The brilliant white and pinkish hues of Turkey’s second-largest lake, particularly vivid in summer.
Taurus Mountains
The rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Aladağlar range providing a sharp contrast to the Anatolian plateau.
Atatürk Dam
A spectacular view of the massive turquoise reservoir on the Euphrates, one of the world's largest dams.
Tigris River (Dicle)
The winding loops of the historic Tigris River as the flight enters the Upper Mesopotamian plain.
Choose the right side for the most iconic landmarks. The highlight is the Atatürk Dam, which is best viewed from the right about 30 minutes before arrival. During winter, the snow-covered Taurus mountains are spectacular. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting for photography on this side.
Black Sea Coastline
Dramatic views of the northern Turkish coast as the plane banks east shortly after takeoff from IST.
Belgrad Forest
The massive green expanse of Istanbul’s northern lungs visible during the initial ascent.
Ankara distant view
On clear days, the northern outskirts of the Turkish capital are visible as the flight crosses Central Anatolia.
Keban Dam Reservoir
The intricate, branch-like arms of one of Turkey's largest reservoirs near Elazığ.
Diyarbakir City Walls
Ancient basalt fortifications of the old city visible if the plane approaches DIY from the north.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. Watch for the dramatic change in terrain from the green Black Sea region to the arid, reddish landscapes of Eastern Anatolia. Keep an eye out for the Keban Dam about 20 minutes before landing.
Distance: 1,050 km (652 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: DIY (37.893901825, 40.2010002136)
Route Type: Domestic
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