Turkey: Diyarbakir
Diyarbakir is a large city in the Turkey’s east and is a UNESCO World Heritage site for the wealth of its historic sites. Firstly, the entire city is surrounded my massive ancient walls, over 6km of walls, built by Roman emperors Constantine II and Valentian I between 367 and 375 AD. Some parts are in pristine original condition with towers and turrets and huge gates. There are four gates into the old city and 82 watch-towers on the walls. Secondly, there are over a dozen amazing medieval mosques and medressas – the Great Mosque is a whole complex of colorful black and gray basalt and one of the oldest mosques in Turkey from the 11th century, Behram Pasa mosque from 1572, and many others. Thirdly, there are several ancient Syrian Christian churches (next post). Finally, the city’s narrow streets and markets and caravanserais are all an incredible experience.
