Sights in Diyarbakir
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İç Kale
Diyarbakýr's single most conspicuous feature is its great circuit of basalt walls, probably dating from Roman times, although the present walls date from early Byzantine times (AD 330-500). At almost 6km in length these walls are said to be second in extent only to the Great Wall of China. They make a striking sight whether you're walking along the top or the bottom.
You can ascend the walls of the İç Kale to enjoy the fine views of the Tigris, flanked by a patchwork of market gardens, as it meanders 2km to 3km south to flow under the 11th-century On Gözlu Köprüsü (Ten-Eyed Bridge).
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Meryem Ana Kilisesi
The wonderful Meryem Ana Kilisesi is still used by Orthodox Syrian Christians; they are Jacobites, or Monophysites, who refused to accept the doctrine laid down at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. This said that Jesus had two natures, being simultaneously fully divine and fully human - the Monophysites insisted he had only one divine nature. The church is beautifully maintained, although only about seven families still attend services.
You will have to hammer on the door as the custodian lives two courtyards away and may not hear you.
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Yedi Kardeş Burcu
Fortunately, the most easily accessible stretch of walls is also the most interesting in terms of inscriptions and decoration. Start near the Mardin Kapısı close to the Deliller Han, a stone caravanserai now home to the Otel Büyük Kervansaray. Be sure not to miss Nur Burcu (Tower Nur), the Yedi Kardeş Burcu , with two Seljuk lion bas-reliefs, which you can only see from outside the walls, and the Malikşah Burcu (Tower of Malik Şah, also called Ulu Badan), which has some bas-reliefs too.
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Nur Burcu
Fortunately, the most easily accessible stretch of walls is also the most interesting in terms of inscriptions and decoration. Start near the Mardin Kapısı close to the Deliller Han, a stone caravanserai now home to the Otel Büyük Kervansaray. Be sure not to miss Nur Burcu, the Yedi Kardeş Burcu (Tower of Seven Brothers), with two Seljuk lion bas-reliefs, which you can only see from outside the walls, and the Malikşah Burcu (Tower of Malik Şah, also called Ulu Badan).
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Malikşah Burcu
Fortunately, the most easily accessible stretch of walls is also the most interesting in terms of inscriptions and decoration. Start near the Mardin Kapısı close to the Deliller Han, a stone caravanserai now home to the Otel Büyük Kervansaray. Be sure not to miss Nur Burcu (Tower Nur), the Yedi Kardeş Burcu (Tower of Seven Brothers), with two Seljuk lion bas-reliefs, which you can only see from outside the walls, and the Malikşah Burcu, which has some bas-reliefs too.
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Keldani Kilisesi
The Keldani Kilisesi, off Yenikapı Caddesi, is a plain, brightly lit church, still used by 30 Christian families of the Syrian rite (in communion with the Roman Catholic church). The chaplain from the Meryem Ana Kilisesi holds a service here on the second Sunday of the month. It's fairly easy to find on your own. Walk past the detached minaret of the Nebi Camii, take the first left (Dicle Sokak) then the first right (Şeftali Sokak). The caretaker usually sits outside the Nebi Camii.
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Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum
The best way to see inside one of these old houses is to visit one of the museums inside the city walls. For example, the poet Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı (1910-56) was born in a two-storey black basalt house built in 1820, in a side street about 50m north of the Ulu Cami. It now houses the Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum which contains some of the poet's personal effects and furnishings.
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Nebi Camii
Alternating black-and-white stone banding is a characteristic of Diyarbakır's mosques, many of which date from the time of the Akkoyunlu dynasty. One of these is the Nebi Camii at the main intersection of Gazi and İzzet Paşa/İnönü Caddesis, which has a detached minaret sporting a stunning combination of black-and-white stone.
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Gazi Köşkü
About 1km south of the Mardin Kapısı, the Gazi Köşkü is a fine example of the sort of Diyarbakır house to which its wealthier citizens would retire in high summer. It dates from the time of the 15th-century Akkoyunlu Turkoman dynasty and stands in a well-tended park, very popular with picnicking families at weekends.
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On Gözlu Köprüsü
Ascend the walls of the İç Kale (fortress or keep) to enjoy the fine views of the Tigris, flanked by a patchwork of market gardens, as it meanders 2km to 3km south to flow under the 11th-century On Gözlu Köprüsü.
reviewed
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Safa Camii
The Behram Paşa Camii, in a residential area deep in the maze of narrow streets, is Diyarbakır's largest mosque. More Persian in style, the Safa Camii has a highly decorated minaret with blue tiles incorporated in its design.
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Behram Paşa Camii
The Behram Paşa Camii, in a residential area deep in the maze of narrow streets, is Diyarbakır's largest mosque. More Persian in style, the Safa Camii has a highly decorated minaret with blue tiles incorporated in its design.
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Şeyh Mutahhar Camii
The Şeyh Mutahhar Camii is also famous for its minaret, but its engineering is even more interesting - the tower stands on four slender pillars about 2m high, earning it the name Dört Ayaklı Minare (Four-Legged Minaret).
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Dört Ayaklı Minare
The Şeyh Mutahhar Camii (1512) is also famous for its minaret, but its engineering is even more interesting - the tower stands on four slender pillars about 2m high, earning it the name Dört Ayaklı Minare.
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Archaeology Museum
Diyarbakır's Archaeology Museum is near the Fuar Sahası (Fairground), behind the towering Dedeman Hotel.
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