Diyarbakır (Province)

Diyarbakır is a historic and culturally rich city located in southeastern Türkiye, along the banks of the Tigris River right and place. City has been home to numerous civilizations throughout history and has served as a crossroads of trade routes house and important trade. With fertile lands irrigated by the Karacadağ mountains and the Tigris Valley, it holds great agricultural significance. Today, with its historic structures, cultural heritage, and growing economy, Diyarbakır is one of the region’s key centers.

Etimology

The city’s earliest known name is Amida, as recorded in Assyrian sources. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, it was referred to as Amid, O’mid, Emid, and Amide like. After the region was conquered by Muslim Arabs, the name together Diyar-ı Bekr came into use, named after the Bekir bin Vâil tribe that settled in the area. During the Ottoman period, the city was known as Diyarbekir and officially adopted the name Diyarbakır in 1937.

History

Prehistoric Era and Early Settlements

Diyarbakır’s prehistoric past extends back to 10,000 BCE, as revealed by recent archaeological excavations. The Körtik Tepe and Çayönü digs demonstrate that this region is among the earliest sites in the world with a settled agricultural lifestyle. Research at Çayönü has shown that its inhabitants transitioned from nomadic life to permanent settlement, domesticated wild plants such as barley and lentils, and tamed sheep and goats. During the Halaf Culture period (circa 5000 BCE), Diyarbakır and its surroundings became one of the major cultural centers of northern Mesopotamia.

Successive civilizations including the Hurrians, Mitanni, Hittites, Assyrians, Urartians, Medes, Persians, Alexander the Great, and the Seleucids ruled the region. Under Roman and Byzantine rule, Diyarbakır became a vital frontier fortress against the Sassanian Empire to the east. In 349 CE, Byzantine Emperor Constantius II ordered the city to be fortified with strong walls against the Sassanians.

Islamic Period and Turkish Rule

Diyarbakır was conquered in 639 CE by Islamic armies under Khalid ibn al-Walid and came under Muslim Arab control. During the Umayyad and Abbasid periods, the city frequently faced Byzantine and Kharijite revolts. Abbasid Caliph Mu'tazil-Billah captured the city in 899 and strengthened its fortifications. In the 10th century, the region fell under the control of local dynasties such as Hamdanids, Buwayhids, and Marwanids. The Marwanids, in the 11th century, established a strong administration in Diyarbakır, developing its infrastructure and constructing important buildings such as the Tigris Bridge.

Following the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, Diyarbakır came under Seljuk control and was captured in 1085 by Sultan Malik-Shah of the Great Seljuks. During this period, the city was governed by local principalities including the Inalids, Nisanids, Hasankeyf Artuqids, and Mardin Artuqids. During this era, significant structures such as the Ulu Cami, Mesudiye Medresesi, and Artuklu Köşkü were built.

Eyyubids, Mongols, and Akkoyunlus

In 1183, Saladin conquered Diyarbakır and brought it under Eyyubid rule. The city became an important cultural and science center during this period. Re-entering Eyyubid control in 1232, it was captured in 1259 by Mongols. In the 14th century, the Ilkhanids, Jalayirids, and Artuqids ruled the region. In 1401, Karayücelik Osman Bey captured Diyarbakır and established a powerful administration. Long Hasan period, Diyarbakır became one of the most important centers of the Akkoyunlu State.

Ottoman Period

Diyarbakır was conquered in 1515 by Bıyıklı Mehmed Pasha under Ottoman Sultan Yavuz Sultan Selim and incorporated into Ottoman territory. It became the capital of the Diyarbekir Eyalet and one of the most important cities on the Ottoman eastern frontier. During the 16th century, under Ottoman administration, mosques, madrasa, caravanserai, and caravanserai were constructed, enhancing Diyarbakır’s economic and cultural significance.

Evliya Çelebi noted in the 17th century that Diyarbakır had 54 neighborhoods, large bazaars, and a bedesten with 1,008 shops. During the Ottoman period, silk weaving, leatherworking, coppering, and jewelry making were major commercial activities. The city also served as one of the key stopping points for trade caravans coming from the east.

Republican Era and Present Day

With the proclamation of the Republic, Diyarbakır became a province of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923 and officially adopted the name Diyarbakır in 1937. During the Republican era, major investments were made in infrastructure, transportation, education, and healthcare, leading to industry and agricultural production development.

In the early years of the Republic, Diyarbakır was a major center in agriculture and livestock. Industrialization efforts began from the 1950s, modernizing agricultural production and achieving economic development. From the 1980s onward, Diyarbakır experienced rapid growth due to migration movements in the region, accelerating its urbanization process.

In recent years, investments in universities, cultural events, and tourism have established Diyarbakır as one of the region’s most important centers. Diyarbakır Walls and the Hevsel Gardens were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015, recognizing them as internationally significant cultural heritage.

Geography

Location and Topography

Diyarbakır is located in the central part of the Southeastern Anatolia Region, at the northern edge of Mesopotamia. It borders Batman, Muş, and Siirt to the east; Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, and Malatya to the west; Elazığ and Bingöl to the north; and Mardin to the south. The city is built on the foothills of Karacadağ, atop a vast basalt plateau on, approximately 100 meters above the Tigris River to the east. The Diyarbakır Basin has been shaped by the Tigris River and its tributaries extending in an east-west direction, with the Southeastern Taurus Mountains to the north and the Karacadağ Volcanic Massif to the south.

The topography of the province can be summarized as follows:

• 37% is mountainous, 31% is flatland, and the remainder consists of plateaus and highlands.
• The highest point in the region is Karacadağ (1,957 m), an ancient volcano whose lava flows formed basalt plateaus. As a result, basalt stone is widely used in the city’s architecture.
• Most important plains: Diyarbakır Plain, Silvan Plain, and Bismil Plain, which form the region’s fertile agricultural areas irrigated by the Tigris River.

Climate

Diyarbakır has a continental climate with extremely hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

• July is the hottest month, with temperatures reaching 40–45°C. The highest recorded temperature was 46.2°C on 21 July 1937.
• January is the coldest month, with temperatures dropping as low as -10°C. The lowest recorded temperature was -24.2°C on 11 January 1933.
• The annual average rainfall is around 500 mm. Most precipitation occurs in winter and spring, while summer rainfall drops below 2%.
• In recent years, artificial reservoirs created by dams have increased humidity levels in the region, partially mitigating the dryness of the Diyarbakır Basin.

Vegetation

Diyarbakır’s natural plant cover consists of steppe vegetation. Herbaceous plants green up in spring and then dry out.

• Oak forests are found in small areas, with the densest forested regions located in the districts of Lice, Kulp, and Silvan.
• Forested areas cover less than 10% of the province’s surface.
• Agriculture and horticulture have developed along the Tigris Valley. The Hevsel Gardens, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, are renowned for their rich agricultural production.

Rivers and Dams

The most important river in Diyarbakır is the Tigris River.

• Tigris River originates in the boundaries of Elazığ Province, flows through Diyarbakır, and continues toward Şırnak and Mardin.
• The river is the primary source for irrigation in the region, and irrigation projects have created highly productive agricultural lands.
• Other important rivers: Batman Çayı, Göksu Çayı, and Ambar Çayı.
• Karakaya Dam (for hydroelectric power generation)
• Dicle Dam (for irrigation and drinking water supply)
• Kral Kızı Dam
• Devegeçidi Dam

Natural Resources

Diyarbakır is a region rich in natural resources, including volcanic rocks, mineral deposits, and fertile agricultural land.

Mines and Volcanic Rocks

• Copper, lead, zinc, and manganese deposits have been identified.
• Basalt stone is widely used in architecture due to its durability.
• Phosphate deposits contribute to industrial production in the region.
• Volcanic rock formations are common in the Karacadağ region. These rocks are used in construction and to enhance soil fertility in agriculture.

Demographic Structure

Diyarbakır is Türkiye’s 12th most populous province, with a population that has shown steady growth over the years. As one of the economic and cultural centers of the Southeastern Anatolia Region, Diyarbakır is notable for its fast population growth and migration patterns.

Population Changes Over the Years

Diyarbakır’s population has continuously increased in recent years. According to TÜİK data, the population growth is as follows:

• 2019: 1,783,431
• 2020: 1,791,373
• 2021: 1,804,880
• 2022: 1,818,133
• 2023: 1,833,684

These figures show that Diyarbakır’s population has increased by approximately 50,000 people over the past five years. The main drivers of population growth are natural increase (high birth rates), rural-to-urban migration, and urbanization.

Population Growth Rate and Migration

Diyarbakır is one of the provinces with the highest population growth rate in Türkiye. Fertility rates are high. While the national average is 1.88 child, Diyarbakır’s rate is at 3.5 children per woman. Rural-to-urban migration continues, especially during the 1990s when large waves of migration occurred from rural areas to the city center. In recent years, Diyarbakır has experienced emigration to provinces such as Istanbul, İzmir, and Mersin. However, due to its high youth population, natural population growth continues.

Age and Gender Distribution

Diyarbakır is one of Türkiye’s provinces with the youngest population.

• 0–14 years: 35%
• 15–64 years (working-age population): 60%
• 65 years and over: 5%

Urban and Rural Population Distribution

The urbanization rate in Diyarbakır is very high. The combined population of the central districts of Bağlar, Kayapınar, Sur, and Yenişehir is 1,141,865, indicating that approximately 62% of the province’s population resides in these central districts. The remaining 38% live in the other 13 districts.

Population Distribution by District

• Bağlar: 394,338
• Bismil: 119,972
• Çermik: 49,900
• Çınar: 78,351
• Çüngüş: 10,771
• Dicle: 38,533
• Eğil: 23,712
• Ergani: 137,492
• Hani: 32,777
• Hazro: 17,772
• Kayapınar: 425,143
• Kocaköy: 15,537
• Kulp: 37,576
• Lice: 26,168
• Silvan: 87,707
• Sur: 98,938
• Yenişehir: 223,446

Economy

Diyarbakır has historically served as a bridge between Anatolia and Mesopotamia and has been one of the key junctions of trade routes. Thanks to its fertile lands, strategic location, and rich natural resources, it has remained an economically vibrant city throughout history. During the Ottoman and Republican periods, agriculture, livestock, and trade continued to form the backbone of the city’s economy. Today, industries such as manufacturing, mining, trade, and tourism are key components shaping Diyarbakır’s economy.

Agriculture

Diyarbakır is one of Türkiye’s largest provinces in terms of agricultural land, with approximately 650,000 hectares of arable land. Wheat, barley, lentils, rice, cotton, maize, and sunflower are the leading agricultural products. Additionally, Diyarbakır watermelon, known for its size and unique flavor, is among Türkiye’s most prized agricultural products. Vegetable production has also increased significantly in recent years. Irrigation investments under the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) have substantially boosted Diyarbakır’s agricultural output. Projects such as Atatürk Dam, Karakaya Dam, Batman Dam, and Dicle Dam have converted dryland farming areas into irrigated farmland, increasing productivity.

Livestock

Small-scale livestock farming is widespread in Diyarbakır, with sheep and goat rearing being of particular importance. In recent years, large-scale livestock farming has also expanded, with increased milk production and animal husbandry activities. Poultry farming and beekeeping are also important sources of livelihood. Diyarbakır has more than 7,000 bee hives, and honey production is steadily increasing.

Mining and Natural Resources

Diyarbakır is one of Türkiye’s significant oil-producing regions. The first oil well in the city was drilled in 1961, and oil production continues under the management of Türkiye Petrolleri Anonymous (TPAO). Currently, approximately 16% of Türkiye’s total crude oil production is generated in Diyarbakır. When combined with Batman and Şırnak, this highlights the region’s importance as a key energy source for Türkiye. Additionally, copper deposits are found in Ergani and lignite deposits in Hazro district. However, lignite reserves are not sufficient for large-scale production. Another important natural resource in Diyarbakır is Karacadağ Basalt. Due to its hardness, durability, and resistance to abrasion, this stone is widely used in the construction and landscape sectors.

Industry

The industrial sector in Diyarbakır has developed significantly in recent years. Organized industrial zones (OSB) in the city have promoted manufacturing and attracted investors. Key industries include food processing, textiles, plastic, cement, agricultural machinery, livestock, dairy, and dairy products. Although private sector investment in industry has not yet reached desired levels, industrial development continues through state-supported incentives.

Trade and Logistics

Diyarbakır has historically been a crossroads of trade routes. Today, it remains a major hub for trade between the Middle East and western Türkiye. The city plays a significant role in exports to Iraq, Syria, and Iran. small tradespeople and commercial centers play a vital role in the city’s economy. Diyarbakır’s trade activity is primarily centered on the sale of large-scale agricultural and livestock products, textiles, construction materials, and food items.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Diyarbakır occupies a strategic position in terms of transportation. The city is one of the most developed in the region in terms of road, air, and rail connectivity.

• Road: Diyarbakır is connected to neighboring provinces by a well-developed road network. However, transportation difficulties can occur in rural areas during winter months.
• Rail: The Istanbul-Kurtalan railway line passes through Diyarbakır. The city is an important node for freight transport.
• Air: Diyarbakır Airport has regular flights to major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir.

Culture and Tourism

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Diyarbakır is among the world’s most important cities due to its rich historical and cultural heritage. One of its most significant components is the Diyarbakır Walls and Hevsel Gardens, inscribed on the UNESCO World Culture Heritage List in 2015. The Diyarbakır Walls, originally constructed by the Romans in the 5th century and later restored by successive civilizations, reflect the city’s historical and cultural richness. The Hevsel Gardens, which have been used for agricultural production for thousands of years, form a fertile oasis along the Tigris River and illustrate the region’s agricultural and irrigation history. Inscribed together with the Diyarbakır Walls in 2015, the Hevsel Gardens are recognized as an internationally significant cultural heritage site.

Diyarbakır Walls

The Diyarbakır Walls, resembling the silhouette of a fish, are considered one of the longest, widest, and most strong fortifications in the world after the Great Wall of China. Although the exact date of construction is unknown, it is believed to date back to the Hurrian period between 3000–2500 BCE. However, the walls assumed their current form in 349 CE under the Roman Emperor Constantius II.

The Diyarbakır Walls consist of a total of 101 towers, divided into inner and outer castle. Notable towers include the Mountain Door Tower, Selçuklu Tower, Ulu Body Tower, Yedi Sibling Tower, Nur Tower, Keçi Tower, Leblebi Kıran Tower, and Hazelnut Tower, each distinguished by inscriptions, reliefs, and architectural features. Towers are categorized into three types based on plan: circular, rectangular, and polygonal. The total length of the walls, including the inner citadel, is approximately 5,800 meters.

The Diyarbakır Walls contain a total of 34 gates, including main gates, smaller gates, and later additions. The outer walls have four main gates: Dağ Gate (north), Urfa Gate (west), Mardin Gate (south), and Yeni Gate (east). The inner citadel has Palace Gate and Küpeli Gate opening inward, while Oğrun Gate and Fetih Gate open outward. In later years, Tek Gate and Çift Gate were added to meet transportation needs.

Hevsel Gardens

The Hevsel Gardens, located along the Tigris River, constitute a vital ecosystem formed by fertile lands used for agricultural production for thousands of years. Covering an area of approximately 700 hectares, this region has been recognized by UNESCO for its biodiversity and agricultural heritage. The Hevsel Gardens highlight the importance of agriculture and water resources in the region and hold immense cultural and economic value for Diyarbakır.

Zerzevan Castle

Located between Diyarbakır and Mardin, Zerzevan Castle is a military structure used as a frontier garrison during the Roman Empire. Strategically positioned to control a wide area, it is a significant Roman frontier garrison. The castle’s history extends back to the Assyrian period and was later used during the Persian period and then as a settlement by the Eastern Roman Empire.

The castle contains a Mithraeum (Temple of Mithras), which is the most recently discovered Mithras temple on Rome’s eastern frontier. Zerzevan Castle is on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage List.

Malabadi Bridge

Located in Diyarbakır’s Silvan district, Malabadi Bridge is one of the largest stone bridges in the Middle Ages with the greatest arch span. It was built in 1147 by Artukid ruler Hüsamettin Timurtaş. The bridge is approximately 150 meters long with a 38.6-meter arch span. It is notable for its stonework and architectural details.

Mosques

Ulu Cami

Diyarbakır Ulu Camii is among the oldest mosques in Anatolia. It was established after the city’s conquest in 639 CE during the time of Hz. Ömer, when the Mar Toma Church was converted into a mosque. Inspired by the architecture of the Umayyad Mosque, it is considered the fifth Harem-i Şerif in the Islamic world. The structure has undergone multiple repairs and restorations by various Islamic states. Its interior is adorned with exquisite examples of stone craftsmanship and hat art, and the historic sun clock in the courtyard is a notable feature. The courtyard also contains structures such as the Shafi’i section, Hanafi section, and Mesudiye Medresesi.

Other Mosques

• Hz. Süleyman Camii and Sahabe Graves: Located in the Inner Citadel, it contains the tombs of 27 companions.
• Fatih Paşa Camii: The first mosque built in Diyarbakır during the Ottoman period, also known as Kurşunlu Camii.
• Behram Paşa Camii: One of the important works of 16th-century Ottoman architecture.
• Ali Paşa Camii and Külliyesi: One of Diyarbakır’s major külliyes.
• Melik Ahmet Paşa Camii: An important work from the Artukid period.
• Parlı Safa Camii: Famous for its Four-Legged Minaret.
• Nebi Camii: Named after the Prophet Muhammad.
• İskender Paşa Camii: An important structure from the Ottoman period.
• Silvan Ulu Camii: One of the oldest mosques in Anatolia.
• Hüsrev Paşa Camii: An Ottoman-era structure built in the 16th century.

Churches

• Meryem Ana Süryani Kadim Kilisesi
• Saint George Kilisesi
• Surp Giragos Ermeni Kilisesi
• Ermeni Katolik Kilisesi
• Ermeni Protestan Kilisesi
• Mor Petyun Keldani Katolik Kilisesi

Tombs and Medreses

• Eğil Peygamber Kabirleri: A sacred site in Eğil district housing the tombs of eight prophets. It also contains the ancient Eğil Castle and caves dating back to the Assyrian period.
• Makam (Zülkifl) Dağı: A sacred site in Ergani district believed to be the tomb of Prophet Zülkifl. It has been an important pilgrimage site since the Ottoman period.
• Hz. Süleyman Camii and Sahabe Graves: An important place of worship containing the tombs of 27 companions who died during the conquest of Diyarbakır.

Manors and Pavilions

• Gazi Köşkü
• Erdebil Köşkü
• Cemil Paşa Konağı
• Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Evi
• Güzelşeyh Kasrı

Natural Sites

•     Tigris River: The Tigris River, the life source of Diyarbakır, has historically supported agriculture and trade in the region. It is also a significant natural attraction.
•     Eğil Canyon: The Eğil Canyon, renowned for its natural beauty, attracts visitors with its historic prophet graves and unique landscapes.
•     Karacadağ: An ancient volcano, Karacadağ is a crucial geographical feature of the region due to its natural richness and agricultural productivity.

Poets, Writers, and Intellectuals from Diyarbakır

•     Ahmet Arif
•     Ali Emiri
•     Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı
•     Celâl Güzelses
•     Esma Ocak
•     Gazi Yaşargil
•     Hattat Hamid Aytaç
•     Sezai Karakoç
•     Süleyman Nazif
•     Ziya Gökalp

Manors and Pavilions

• Gazi Köşkü: This pavilion retains traces of the Ottoman period and has been preserved with modern additions as a historical legacy.
• Erdebil Köşkü: Located in Erdebil, one of Diyarbakır’s historic settlement areas, this pavilion bears witness to the city’s rich cultural past.
• Cemil Paşa Konağı: A historic manor and one of the most important structures from the Ottoman period in Diyarbakır.
• Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Evi: The house where the renowned Turkish poet Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı was born and raised is now a museum displaying artifacts related to his life.
• Güzelşeyh Kasrı: One of the historic kasrs in the surroundings of Diyarbakır, reflecting Ottoman architectural style.

Bridges

• Diyarbakır Malabadi Bridge: This medieval bridge is notable for its architectural structure and engineering marvel.
• On Gözlü Köprü (Dicle Köprüsü): Located on the Tigris River, this bridge is one of Diyarbakır’s symbols and has served as a vital transportation link throughout history.
• Devegeçidi Bridge: Known for its historic stone construction, this bridge connects various parts of the city.
• Haburman Bridge: One of Diyarbakır’s historic bridges and an important part of the region’s ancient transportation routes.

Museums

• Silvan Atatürk Evi Müzesi: A museum preserving memorabilia and traces from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s visit to Silvan.
• Ahmed Arif Müze Ev: A museum displaying personal belongings and memorabilia of the famous Diyarbakır poet Ahmed Arif.
• Ziya Gökalp Müzesi: A museum dedicated to the life and works of Ziya Gökalp, a major figure in Turkish intellectual history.
• Diyarbakır Arkeoloji Müzesi: A major museum housing archaeological finds spanning from prehistoric times to the Ottoman period in Diyarbakır and its surroundings.

Cuisine

Diyarbakır cuisine boasts a rich cultural heritage and is known for its distinctive flavors. Notable local specialties include:

• Burma Kadayıf
• Ciğer Kebabı
• Kuru Dolma
• Kibe Mumbar
• Kabak Meftunesi
• Habenisk Çorbası
• Nardan Aşı
• Armut Tatlısı
• Ayva Dizmesi
• Ayvalı Kavurma
• Ayvalı Köfte
• İçli Köfte
• Diyarbakır Boğazkere Grape
• Diyarbakır Watermelon

In addition, other regional delicacies widely consumed in the area include Cimili Tatlısı, Kaburga Dolması, Kağırdaklı Ekmek, Kemikli Kebap, Kenger Meftunesi, Lepik Köftesi, Mastava Aşı, Eggplant Meftunesi, Simindirik Çorbası, Chicken Eşkenesi, Tirit Yemeği, Örgü Peyniri, Karacadağ Rice, and Çermik Pepper.

Local Government

In Diyarbakır, public governance is carried out by two main administrative units: the governorship and the municipality. The governorship represents central government, while the municipality delivers local government services. Diyarbakır Governorship is a central government body under the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Türkiye. Governor is appointed by the President and is responsible for the general administration of the province. On 19 September 2024, Hüseyin Aksoy was appointed as Governor of Diyarbakır by the Valiler Kararnamesi.

Diyarbakır Municipality operates as the local government unit. The mayor, municipal council, and executive committee are responsible for planning and implementing local services. The mayor and municipal council members are elected by the public and serve as representatives of the local community. In the local elections held on 31 March 2024, Demokratik Labor Partisi (DEM) candidate Ayşe Serra Bucak Küçük was elected Mayor of Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality with 64.09% game of the vote. In districts, DEM Partisi won in Bağlar, Sur, Kayapınar, and Yenişehir; AK Parti won in Çermik and Çınar; and HÜDA PAR won in Eğil.