Diyarbakır (Province)

Diyarbakır is a historic and culturally rich city located in southeastern Türkiye, on the right bank of the Tigris River. Throughout history, it has served as a home to numerous civilizations and has been a crossroads of major trade routes. With its fertile lands irrigated by the Karacadağ and Tigris Valley, it holds significant importance in agriculture. Today, Diyarbakır, with its historical structures, cultural heritage, and growing economy, is one of the region’s key centers.

^{Ulu Cami (Photo:} Ali Düzdemir, Türkiye Kültür Portalı⁾

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. After the region was conquered by Muslim Arabs, it began to be called Diyar-ı Bekr, named after the Bekir bin Vâil tribe that settled there. During the Ottoman period, the city was known as Diyarbekir and officially adopted the name Diyarbakır in 1937.

Diyarbakır’s prehistoric past extends back to 10,000 BCE, as revealed by recent archaeological excavations. The Körtik Tepe and Çayönü digs show that this region is home to some of the earliest examples of agricultural village life. Research at Çayönü has demonstrated that its inhabitants transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to settled communities, domesticating wild wheat, lentils, 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.

Successively, the Hurrians, Mitanni, Hittites, Assyrians, Urartians, Medes, Persians, Alexander the Great, and the Seleucids ruled the region. Under Roman and Byzantine rule, Diyarbakır gained strategic importance as a frontier fortress against the Sassanian Empire to the east. In 349 CE, Byzantine Emperor Constantius II fortified the city with strong walls to defend against the Sassanians.

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 region frequently served as a battleground against Byzantine incursions and Kharijite revolts. Abbasid Caliph Mu'tazz bi-llah captured the city in 899 and strengthened its fortifications. In the 10th century, local dynasties such as the Hamdanids, Buyids, and Marwanids assumed control. The Marwanids, in the 11th century, established a strong administration in Diyarbakır, developing its infrastructure and constructing major works such as the Tigris Bridge.

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

In 1183, Saladin conquered Diyarbakır and brought it under Ayyubid rule. During this period, the city became an important cultural and scientific center. Reclaimed by the Ayyubids in 1232, it was occupied by the Mongols in 1259. In the 14th century, the Ilkhanids, Jalayirids, and Artuqids ruled the region. In 1401, Karayücelik Osman Bey captured Diyarbakır, enabling the Akkoyunlu to establish a strong regional administration. Under Uzun Hasan, Diyarbakır became one of the most important centers of the Akkoyunlu State.

Diyarbakır was conquered in 1515 by Bıyıklı Mehmed Pasha under Sultan Yavuz 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, medreses, hans, and caravanserais 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 era, silk weaving, leatherworking, coppersmithing, and jewelry-making were major commercial activities. The city also served as a key stopover for trade caravans coming from the east.

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 period, major investments were made in infrastructure, transportation, education, and healthcare, leading to growth in industry and agricultural production.

In the early years of the Republic, Diyarbakır emerged as a major center for agriculture and animal husbandry. Starting in the 1950s, industrialization efforts began, modernizing agricultural production and driving economic development. From the 1980s onward, Diyarbakır experienced rapid growth due to migration movements, 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. The Diyarbakır Walls and Hevsel Gardens were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015, recognizing them as internationally significant cultural heritage.

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

The province’s topography can be summarized as follows:

• 37% is mountainous, 31% is plain, 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.
• Major plains: Diyarbakır Plain, Silvan Plain, and Bismil Plain, which form the region’s most productive agricultural areas irrigated by the Tigris River.

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

• The hottest month is July, with temperatures reaching 40–45°C. The highest recorded temperature was 46.2°C on 21 July 1937.
• The coldest month is January, with temperatures dropping to -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 regional humidity, partially mitigating the dryness of the Diyarbakır Basin.

Diyarbakır’s natural vegetation is dominated by steppe (bozkır) plant species. Herbaceous plants green briefly in spring and then dry out.

• Oak forests occur in small areas, with the most extensive forested zones found 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 output.

The most important river in Diyarbakır is the Tigris River.

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

^{Tigris River (Source:} Anadolu Ajansı⁾

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

Minerals 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 the region’s industrial production.
• Karacadağ is characterized by widespread volcanic rock formations. These stones are used in construction and in agriculture to enhance soil fertility.

Diyarbakır is Türkiye’s 12th most populous province, with a steadily increasing population over the years. As one of the economic and cultural centers of Southeastern Anatolia, Diyarbakır stands out due to rapid population growth and migration trends.

Diyarbakır’s population has shown continuous growth 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 indicate 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.

Diyarbakır is among the provinces with the highest population growth rates in Türkiye. Fertility rates are high: while the national average is 1.88 children per woman, Diyarbakır’s rate is 3.5 children. Migration from rural areas to urban centers continues. Particularly during the 1990s, large waves of migration occurred from rural areas to the city center of Diyarbakır. 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.

Diyarbakır is one of Türkiye’s youngest provinces.

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

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, representing approximately 62% of the province’s total population. The remaining 38% reside in the other 13 districts.

• 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

Throughout history, Diyarbakır has functioned 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. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade continued to form the backbone of the city’s economy during the Ottoman and Republican periods. Today, industry, mining, trade, and tourism are key sectors shaping Diyarbakır’s economy.

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

Small-scale animal husbandry is widespread in Diyarbakır, with sheep and goat breeding holding particular importance. In recent years, large-scale animal husbandry has also expanded, with growth in dairy production and livestock farming. Poultry farming and beekeeping are also significant livelihood sources. Diyarbakır has more than 7,000 bee hives, and honey production is steadily increasing.

Diyarbakır is recognized as one of Türkiye’s major oil-producing regions. The first oil well in the city was drilled in 1961, and oil production continues under the management of Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı (TPAO). Currently, approximately 16% of Türkiye’s total crude oil production comes from Diyarbakır. When combined with Batman and Şırnak, this highlights the region’s significance 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 is Karacadağ Basalt. Due to its hardness, durability, and resistance to abrasion, this stone is widely used in construction and landscaping.

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

Diyarbakır has historically been a crossroads of trade routes and 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-scale traders and commercial establishments hold an important place in the city’s economy. Diyarbakır’s commercial life is centered on the sale of large-scale agricultural and livestock products, textiles, construction materials, and foodstuffs.

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 transportation.
• Air: Diyarbakır Airport has regular flights to major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir.

Diyarbakır, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, is among the world’s most significant cities. One of its most important heritage components is the Diyarbakır Walls and Hevsel Gardens, inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 2015. Built by the Romans in the 5th century and restored by successive civilizations, the Diyarbakır Walls reflect the city’s historical and cultural richness. The Hevsel Gardens, located along the Tigris River, have been used for agricultural production for thousands of years and represent a fertile oasis that illustrates the history of Diyarbakır’s agricultural and irrigation systems. In 2015, the Hevsel Gardens, together with the Diyarbakır Walls, were officially recognized as an internationally significant cultural heritage site.

The Diyarbakır Walls, resembling the silhouette of a carp, are considered one of the longest, widest, and most robust walls 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 and 2500 BCE. However, the walls acquired their current form during the reign of Roman Emperor Constantius II in 349 CE.

The Diyarbakır Walls consist of a total of 101 towers, including inner and outer fortifications. Notable towers include Dağ Kapı Burcu, Selçuklu Burcu, Ulu Beden Burcu, Yedi Kardeş Burcu, Nur Burcu, Keçi Burcu, Leblebi Kıran Burcu, and Fındık Burcu, each distinguished by inscriptions, reliefs, and architectural features. Towers are categorized into three types based on their plan: circular, square, and polygonal. The total perimeter of the walls, including the inner fortress, is approximately 5,800 meters.

There are a total of 34 gates in the walls, categorized as main gates, minor gates, and later additions. The outer walls have four main gates: Dağ Kapı (north), Urfa Kapı (west), Mardin Kapı (south), and Yeni Kapı (east). Inside the inner fortress, Saray Kapı and Küpeli Kapı open inward, while Oğrun Kapı and Fetih Kapı open outward. In later years, Tek Kapı and Çift Kapı were constructed to meet transportation needs.

^{Diyarbakır Walls (Photo:} Türkiye Kültür Portalı⁾

The Hevsel Gardens, located along the Tigris River, constitute an important ecosystem with fertile soils that have been used for agricultural production for thousands of years. Covering an area of approximately 700 hectares, the 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.

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 served as a Roman frontier garrison. The castle’s history extends back to the Assyrian period and was also used during the Persian period, later becoming a settlement under the Eastern Roman Empire.

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

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

Ulu Camii

The Diyarbakır Ulu Camii is among the oldest mosques in Anatolia. It was established in 639 CE after the city’s conquest by Muslim forces, when the Mar Toma Church was converted into a mosque. Inspired by the architecture of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, it is regarded as the fifth holiest site in the Islamic world. The structure has undergone repairs and renovations during various Islamic dynasties. Its interior is adorned with fine stone craftsmanship and elegant examples of calligraphy art. A historic sundial in the courtyard is also notable. The courtyard also contains the Shafi’i and Hanafi sections and the Mesudiye Medresesi.

• Hz. Süleyman Camii and Companions’ Tombs: Located in the Inner Fortress, 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: An important example of 16th-century Ottoman architecture.
• Ali Paşa Camii and Külliyesi: One of Diyarbakır’s major külliye complexes.
• Melik Ahmet Paşa Camii: An important structure from the Artuqid 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 structure built in the 16th century.

^{Behram Paşa Camii (Photo:} Diyarbakır İl Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü⁾

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

• Eğil Prophets’ Tombs: 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) Mountain: A sacred site in Ergani district believed to be the tomb of Prophet Zülkifl. It has been an important pilgrimage destination since the Ottoman period.
• Hz. Süleyman Camii and Companions’ Tombs: An important place of worship containing the tombs of 27 companions who died during the conquest of Diyarbakır.

^{Area of Süleyman Paşa Camii and Companions’ Tombs (Photo:} T.C. Diyarbakır Valiliği⁾

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

•     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 beauty site.
•     Eğil Canyon: The Eğil Canyon, noted for its natural beauty, attracts visitors with its historic prophet tombs and unique landscapes.
•     Karacadağ: An ancient volcano, Karacadağ is a key geographical feature of the region due to its natural richness and agricultural productivity.

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

• Gazi Köşkü: This pavilion, bearing traces of the Ottoman period, preserves its historical heritage through modern additions.
• 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 mansion and one of the most important structures from the Ottoman period in Diyarbakır.
• Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Evi: The house where renowned Turkish poet Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı was born and raised is now a museum displaying artifacts and memorabilia related to his life.
• Güzelşeyh Kasrı: One of the historic kasrs in the surroundings of Diyarbakır, reflecting Ottoman architectural style.

• Diyarbakır Malabadi Bridge: This medieval bridge is notable for its architectural structure and engineering excellence.
• On Gözlü Köprü (Tigris Bridge): 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 different parts of the city.
• Haburman Bridge: One of Diyarbakır’s historic bridges, it is an important part of the region’s ancient transportation routes.

^{Malabadi Bridge (Photo:}  Diyarbakır İl Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü ⁾

• Silvan Atatürk House Museum: A museum preserving memorabilia and historical traces from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s visit to Silvan.
• Ahmed Arif Museum House: A museum displaying artifacts and memorabilia related to the life of Diyarbakır’s famous poet Ahmed Arif.
• Ziya Gökalp Museum: A museum dedicated to the life and works of Ziya Gökalp, a major figure in Turkish intellectual history.
• Diyarbakır Archaeology Museum: An important museum housing archaeological finds from prehistoric times to the Ottoman period in Diyarbakır and its surroundings.

Diyarbakır cuisine features a rich cultural heritage and distinctive local flavors. Notable local dishes 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, Patlıcan Meftunesi, Simindirik Çorbası, Tavuk Eşkenesi, Tirit Yemeği, Örgü Peyniri, Karacadağ Rice, and Çermik Pepper.

Public administration in Diyarbakır is carried out by two main institutions: the governorship and the municipality. The governorship represents central government, while the municipality manages local services. The Diyarbakır Governorship is a central government body under the Ministry of Interior. The governor is appointed by the President of the Republic and is responsible for the overall administration of the province. On 19 September 2024, Hüseyin Aksoy was appointed as Governor of Diyarbakır by the Governorship Decree.

Diyarbakır Municipality serves as the local government body. 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 population. In the local elections held on 31 March 2024, Demokratik Emek Partisi (DEM) candidate Ayşe Serra Bucak Küçük was elected Mayor of Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality with 64.09% of the vote. In district elections, DEM won in Bağlar, Sur, Kayapınar, and Yenişehir districts; AK Party won in Çermik and Çınar districts; and HÜDA PAR won in Eğil district.