Diyarbakır: An Overview of Its History



Diyarbakır is a city located in southeastern Turkey, on the banks of the Tigris River. It is the largest city in the region and has a population of over 1.5 million people. Diyarbakır is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that dates back to the Neolithic period. It has served as an important trading center and cultural hub for centuries, and has been a part of many different empires over the course of its history.

The earliest known settlement in Diyarbakır dates back to the Neolithic period, around 8,000 BC. The city was then known as Amida, and was a part of the Assyrian Empire from around 2000 BC. During this period, the city was an important trading center for the Assyrians, and it was also the site of a major battle between the Assyrians and the Babylonians in 605 BC.

In the 4th century BC, Diyarbakır became part of the Persian Empire, and in 333 BC it was conquered by Alexander the Great. After Alexander’s death, the city was ruled by the Seleucid Empire until the Roman Empire took control in the 1st century BC. During the Roman period, the city was known as Amida and served as an important trading center for the region.

In the 7th century, Diyarbakır was conquered by the Arabs and became part of the Umayyad Caliphate. The city then passed to the Abbasid Caliphate in the 8th century, and in the 10th century it became part of the Seljuk Empire. The Seljuks made Diyarbakır their capital and it became a major center of culture and learning.

In the 13th century, Diyarbakır was conquered by the Mongols and then passed to the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. The city was an important center of trade and culture during the Ottoman period, and it was also the site of many battles against the Safavids and other powers.

In the early 20th century, Diyarbakır became part of the Republic of Turkey, and it has remained a part of the country ever since. Today, the city is an important cultural and economic hub in the region, and it is home to a number of important historical sites. Diyarbakır is also a popular tourist destination, and its rich history and vibrant culture make it an ideal place to explore.