Main Attractions in Diyarbakir

In the dramatic city of Diyarbakir, the primeval and modern have a peaceful co-existence. The older part of the city, which is dotted with mosques, old houses, churches and madrassahs, dishes out a vintage charm whereas the modern town of the west with rows of modern apartments has a business-like air.

The biggest attraction of Diyarbakir is the huge city wall, which surrounds the city and is endowed with 4 main gates, 16 keeps and 72 defensive towers. This existing black basalt wall dates back to the Byzantine period, when it was constructed or renovated. However, there were other city walls prior to this. This 12 meter high, 3.5 meter wide and 5.5 kilometer long wall is the best example of the medieval military architecture and is the second best-preserved wall after the Great Wall of China. The four main gates of the city wall are called Dag Kapi, Urfa Kapi, Mardin Kapi and Yeni Kapi and all of them contain inscription and relief.

Another structure that is rich in historical heritage is the fortress (built by the Hurris), which stands on a solid rock called "Fis". This citadel is 100m high from the Tigris River and contains a domed Basilica, a mosque, Sahabeler tomb, a palace and some official buildings.

You can also visit the Ulu Mosque (11th century) in the city center. This magnificent structure is built of cut stones and has alternative bands of black basalt and limestone. This mosque is rich in ornamentation, carvings and inscriptions and is said to have been converted from a Church of Saint Thomas.

A unique place to visit in Diyarbakir is the Deliler Han (inn), by the Mardin Kapi of the city wall. This was constructed by Husrev Pasha in 1527 for the caravan traveler who could stop and rest here. Now it has been converted to a hotel, which carefully preserves the original air of the bygone days.

Other places of historical importance include the Mesudiye medrese, Hasan Pasha han, the Nebii mosque, Kasim Padisah mosque (contains the Dort Ayakli Minaret), the Antak city ruins, the Birkleyn and Hasun caves and the Syriac orthodox church of Lady Meryemana (was originally a Pagan temple).

Another important site is the house of Cahit Sitki Taranci, the most celebrated poet of the republican period, which has been turned into a museum in 1973.

Apart from these, you can come to the famous Malabadi Bridge on Diyarbakir-Batman provincial border, which is an Artuklu Seljuk structure. Among all the arch bridges in the world, Malabadi possesses the widest arch width. You can also spend your time in the lively and dramatic street markets of Diyarbakir or can go to the beautiful picnic spot of Gazi Kosku.