| Diyarbakir,
known in ancient times as Amida, spreads across a basalt plateau
close to the banks of the Dicle River. The black basalt triple walls which
encircle the old town give the city a rather ominous appearance. These
ramparts are 5.5 km. in length, have 16 keeps and five gates, are decorated
with inscriptions and bas - reliefs and represent a superb example of medieval
military architecture. |
Deliller
Han (Inn) - (Diyarbakir)
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The
Ulu Mosque, built by the Seljuk Sultan Melik Shah, is notable for its originial
design and for its utilization of both Byzantine and more ancient architectural
materials. The mihrab of the nearby Mesudiye Medrese is made of the local
black basalt. The Nebii Mosque represent the typical Ottoman style, while
the Safa Mosque exhibits Persian influences in its tiled minaret. The third
century Aramaic Church of the Virgin mary (Meryemana Kilisesi), which is
still in use today also makes for an interesting visit. For an example
of early domestic architecture, stop at the restored home of the writer
Cahit Sitki Taranci. The Deliller hani (1527) by the Mardin Gates, converted
and refurbished into a hotel, recreates the atmosphere of the days when
trading caravans stopped in Diyarbakir. |
Silvan
Bridge
(Diyarbakir)
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The
"Yedi Kardes" Tower in the city wall of Diyarbakir
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| Just
outside the city walls, by the river, stands Ataturk's house, now a museum.
South of town at the Dicle Bridge and the city walls.
In
Silvan,
77km east of Diyarbakir you should stop at the graceful Ulu Mosque, which
dates from 1185, to admire the fine flowing lines of stone-relief work
that outline the pointed arch portal.
Cayonu,
one of the earliest Neolithic settlement yet to be discovered, dates from
the seventh millennium B.C. |
Sehidiye
Mosque minaret detail
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