The name comes from the former Botan Emirate. The ancient historian Xenophon, a student of Socrates, mentioned the river extensively in his work Anabasis (The March of the Ten Thousand), written around 400 BC.


A large portion of Botan Valley lies within the borders of Siirt. Due to its geographical and historical significance, the area was declared a national park on August 15, 2019, following Presidential Decree No. 1421 published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey No. 30859.


Located within the central district of Siirt as well as the districts of Tillo and Eruh, Botan Valley National Park covers approximately 120,000 decares and stretches along a 29-kilometer route. The valley is suitable for outdoor activities such as paragliding and rafting.