Diyarbakır, Ancient settlement at the Tigris River, Turkey
Diyarbakır sits on a high plateau by the Tigris in southeastern Turkey and is encircled by black basalt walls. The walls form a ring around the old town and contain numerous watchtowers along their entire length.
The Romans fortified the city in 349 under Emperor Constantius II and named it Amida. After a siege, the Persians captured the city in the 4th century before it later came under Islamic rule.
The black basalt stones of the city walls shape the appearance of the old town and give it a dark tone. Local craftspeople continue working with filigree techniques passed down through generations.
The airport, train station and highways connect the city with the rest of Turkey and make arrival easier. The old town is best explored on foot, as many lanes are narrow.
The region around the city is known for growing watermelons, which appear in many markets during the summer months. Goldsmiths in the bazaars continue making jewelry with traditional decorations.
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