Nemrut and Southeastern Region Diyarbakir

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. Just outside the city wals, by the river, stands Ataturk's house,now a museum.South of town at the Dicle Bridge, bult in 1065, you can take a great photograph of the Dicle River, the bridge and the city walls.

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