Situated on the banks of Tigris (Dicle), Diyarbakir still carries a medieval air with its walls encircling the city.These black basalt walls are perfect examples of the military architecture of the Middle Ages. They are also very well known since they are the second largest (5.5 kms) and bestpreserved walls in the world after the famous Great Wall of China. Although there were Roman, and probably earlier walls here, the present walls date back to early Byzantine times. There are sixteen keeps and five gates, each of which deserves seeing along with their inscriptions and relief. There are four main gates along the wall called as Dag Kapi, Urfa Kapi, Mardin Kapi and Yeni Kapi. You will have the chance to go back to bygone days at the Deliler Han by the Mardin Kapi of the City Walls. Now it is restored as a hotel preserving the original air of the old days when caravan travelers used to stop and rest. Another fascinating sight in the city center, is the Ulu Mosque, notable for its original architecture and the ancient materials used in the restoration of the building at various times. Nearby the Ulu Mosque is the Mesudiye Medresse and Hasan Pasha Ham, a caravanserai now being used by carpet and souvenir shops.

The Nebii Mosque is a typical example of the Ottoman style. The Church of the Virgin Mary is interesting and it is still in use. The Kasim Padisah Mosque is also interesting, especially due to the engineering which built a large tower upon four tiny pillars about two meters high, called the Dort Ayakil Minare. The location of noted mythological cave Eshab-ul Keyf, and Dacianus ruins are in the town of Lice. The holy Mount Zulkufil and Hilar Caves are in the town of Ergani. Within the environs of Diyarbakir are the Birkleyn and Hasun Caves, the Antak City ruins and the Cayonu Archaeological Site.
 
The city holds many mosques and buildings of long historical and archaeological importance. There are four museums in the city center. When you add to those the renowned watermelons of about 40 kilograms approximately, and its silver and copper artifacts Diyarbakir certainly stands as a destination to be visited. Gazi Kosku is a nice place for picnicking. The town of Cermik is a spa center.
 
Diyarbakir, known in ancient times as Amida, spreads acros a basalt plateau close to the banks of the Dicle river. The blac basalt triple walls which encircle the old town give the city a rather ominous appearance. These ramparts, 5.5 km in length with 16 keeps and five gates, inscriptions and bas-reliefs, represent a superb example of medieval military architecture. The Ulu Mosque, built by the Seljuk sultan Melik Shah,is notable for its original plan, and for its utilization of Byzantine and more ancient architectural materials. The mihrab of the nearby Mesudiye Medrese is made of the local black basalt. The Nebii Mosque represents the typical Ottoman mosque 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, makes an interesting visit. For an example of early domestic architectur stop at the restored home of the writer Cahit Sitki Taranci. The Deliller Hani (1527) by the mardin.htm Gates, converted and refurbished into a hotel, recreates the atmosphere of the days when trading caravans stopped in Diyarbakir.

In Silvan, 77 km east of Diyarbakir you should stop at the graceful Ulu Mosque dating from 1185, to admire the fine flawing lines of stone-relief work that outline the pointed arch portal.Cayonu one of the earliest Neolithic settlements yet discovered, dates from the seventh millennium B.C.
Diyarbakır is reputed for its copper and silver artefacts and for its watermelons. In September, during the Watermelon Festival, it is possible to see watermelons which can weigh up to 40 kilogrammes / 88 pounds.
The other festivals and festivities held in the city are:
The Diyarbakır Culture and Art Festival which takes place every year in September.
Nevruz, celebrated on March 21, which commemorates the first day of spring.
Hidirellez, celebrated on May 6, which are culture and spring festivities.

Diyarbakir is connected by road and railways with Elazig 200 km northwest and Malatya 400 km west, and by road alone with Mardin 100 km south and Van 300 km east. Ankaralies 1000 km west. Diyarbakir has an airport.
Diyarbakir is distinguished by its huge city walls of black basalt. It is 6 km long, with 4 main gateways and several smaller ones, as well as 72 defensive towers. Most of the existing walls were constructed or renovated in the 11th century.
The population of Diyarbakir is predominantly Kurdish. Most inhabitants are Sunni Muslims, but there is also a small group of Syrian Orthodox Christians.
The name means "District of the Bakr people." The Bakir people were Arabs, arriving here with the Muslim conquest in the 7th century.Today, the GAP Project (South-East Anatolian Project) and the development of irrigation systems have brought to the region of Diyarbakir greater prosperity.

Diyarbakir City 

Diyarbakir City 

 Diyarbakir City

 Diyarbakir City

 Diyarbakir City

 Diyarbakir City

Diyarbakir City 

Diyarbakir City