The upstream of the Botan River is often called Çatak, which flows mostly in the Van Province.

[3][4] It originates in the high mountains around the Nordüz Plateau, near the border between Van and Hakkâri, and flows westwards before it turns to the northwest.

Running westwards by east of Aydınlar and Siirt, it reaches Bostancık locality.

[5] For the purpose of building hydroelectric power plants, studies have been carried out on several places at the river.

[5] Seven dams in different sizes are planned, built or under construction on the Botan River.

In his Anabasis, Xenophon describes the crossing of the Botan, then called the Centrites (Κεντρίτης).