Dağ Kapı, Ancient gate in Sur, Turkey
Dağ Kapı is a former city gate in Diyarbakır that stands between two cylindrical towers as part of the fortress wall and features massive stone construction. The structure is now home to an art gallery that hosts exhibitions inside its stone walls.
The gate was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Constantine II and served as the northern entrance to the city. It underwent changes over centuries as different rulers modified and adapted the structure.
The gate displays inscriptions in Latin, Greek, and Arabic from different periods, showing how many cultures left their mark on this structure. Walking through, you can see these layers of influence from various civilizations.
The gallery inside the gate is open during daylight hours and gives you a good view of the stone work and how tall the structure is. Wear comfortable shoes since access involves climbing old stone stairs and walking through narrow passages.
A mosque from the Marwanid period occupies the second floor of the gate structure, showing how military buildings were later converted for religious purposes. This transformation reveals how the function of the gate changed over time to meet the needs of different communities.
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