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Diyarbakir
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.
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