Country Turkey Area 685 km² Elevation 675 m University Dicle University | Region Southeastern Anatolia Mayor Gultan Kisanak (BDP) Population 1,300,000 | |
Diyarbakir (Kurdish: Amed; Zazaki: Diyarbekir) is one of the largest cities in southeastern Turkey. Situated on the banks of the Tigris River, it is the administrative capital of the Diyarbakir Province and with a population of about 1,607,437, it is the second largest city in Turkeys south-eastern Anatolia region, after Gaziantep.
Contents
- Map of Diyarbakir
- The most beautiful places in diyarbakir turkey
- History
- Economy
- Culture
- Cuisine
- Museums
- References
Map of Diyarbakir
Diyarbakir is also a major cultural and economic center in Turkey and as such has been a focal point for conflict between Turkeys government and its Kurdish population.
The most beautiful places in diyarbakir turkey
History
The city of Diyarbakir has been capital for many empires in history, such as the Sumerians and the Median Empire. Starting from the earliest period, the city had been successively ruled by the Hurri-Mittani, Hittites, and the Assyrians. It was also once the capital city of the Aramean Bit-Zamani kingdom. From 189 BCE to 384 CE, the region to the east and south of present Diyarbakir remained under the rule of the kingdom of Corduene.
Later, the Romans colonized the city and named it Amida. During the Roman rule, the first city walls were constructed (297 AD) and later, the greater walls were built as per the command of the Roman emperor Constantius II. After the Romans, the Persians came to power and were succeeded by the Muslim Arabs. It was the leader of the Arab Bekr tribe, Bekr Bin Vail, who named the city Diyar Bakr, meaning "the country of Bakr", i.e. Arabs. Much later, in the Republican era, the city got its current name Diyarbakir, which was derived from the abundance of copper ore that exists here.
After a few centuries, Diyarbakir came under the Ottoman Empire and earned the status of the capital of a large province. The city became the base of army troops who guarded the region against Persian invasion. Diyarbakir faced turbulence in the 20th century, particularly with the onset of World War I. The majority of the citys Syriac and Armenian population were massacred and deported during the Armenian Genocide in 1915. In 1925, the Kurdish population rose in a rebellion against the newly established government of the Republic of Turkey, which was crushed by Turkish forces. Thousands of Kurds were killed in this attempt.
Economy
Historically, Diyarbakir produced wheat and sesame. They would preserve the wheat in warehouses, with coverings of straw and twigs from licorice trees. This system would allow the wheat to be preserved for up to ten years. In the late 19th and early 20th century, Diyarbakir exported raisins, almonds, and apricots to Europe. Angora goats were raised, and wool and mohair was exported from Diyarbakir. Merchants would also come from Egypt, Istanbul, and Syria, to purchase goats and sheep. Honey was also produced, but not so much exported, but used by locals. Sericulture was observed in the area, too.
Culture
Some jewelry making and other craftwork continues today although the fame of the Diyarbakirs craftsmen has long passed. Folk dancing to the drum and zurna (pipe) are a part of weddings and celebrations in the area.
Cuisine
Diyarbakir is known for rich dishes of lamb which use spices such as black pepper, sumac and coriander; rice, bulgur and butter. The most famous specialty dish from Diyarbakir is Meftune which is made up of lamb meat and vegetable laced with garlic and sumac. Another known dish is Kaburga Dolmasi which is a baked lambs ribs stuffed with rice and many spices. Diyarbakir is also famous for its watermelons which are exported internationally; one of the largest events in the city is the annually held Watermelon Festival.