As air temperatures in Diyarbakır soared above 40 degrees Celsius, streets and avenues fell silent. While historical sites remained devoid of visitors, activity was only observed in air-conditioned establishments. Shopkeepers, overwhelmed by the heat, are waiting for the hours after 6:00 PM when the weather is expected to cool down to conduct business.
Extreme heat, intensifying its effect in Diyarbakır, is negatively impacting daily life. In the city, where air temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, historical sites and bazaars, in particular, remained empty for most of the day. While citizens opted for air-conditioned cafes, shopping malls, and indoor establishments to cool down, silence prevailed in open areas. Many shopkeepers in the city center stated that the number of customers significantly decreased due to the hot weather, adding that they expect business to pick up only towards the evening. In Diyarbakır, where streets were almost completely deserted during midday, shopkeepers are waiting for the hours after 6:00 PM when temperatures begin to drop.
Merdan Memiş, a shopkeeper from Sur, stated that the weather was oppressively hot. Memiş said, "People cannot go outside. They don't go out until 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM, and the streets are empty. Generally, people don't leave their homes. It's very difficult to see anyone outside before 6:00 PM. When they do go out, people prefer air-conditioned places. Nobody walks around outside because the heat hits you directly in the head. Air temperatures reach 40-41 degrees Celsius."
Şükrü Kaya, guide of the Mar Petyun Chaldean Church, also stated that due to the hot weather, local and foreign tourists do not go out during midday. Kaya said, "There is an air temperature above 40 degrees Celsius, so there is no one outside, and most businesses are quiet. If the air temperature drops, there might be some activity. Activity on the street starts after 6:00 PM and continues until midnight. However, since we close at 7:00 PM, we cannot benefit from this activity." - DİYARBAKIR