The river originates in Turkey's Anti-Taurus Mountains (at the Sason and Genç mountains)[2] and flows approximately from north to south, passing near the city of Batman and forming a natural border between the Batman Province and Diyarbakır Province.

The historic Malabadi Bridge (built in 1146–1147) crosses the river near the town of Silvan.

Despite being a small river, absent on most maps, Iluh plays an important role for the province because its spring floods affect the provincial capital.

The river served as a natural border between the Byzantine Empire and Sassanid Persia and saw major battles in 583 and 591 AD.

It had not been observed since 1974 and was feared to be extinct until a 2021 expedition netted 14 fish living above the Batman Dam.