Diyarbakır Walls have hosted many civilizations throughout its history and have been part of a rich cultural heritage. However, the fact that these walls are shaped like a turbot is an interesting feature that distinguishes them from other historical structures. This unique architectural form is also linked to legends from the region; especially Hz. The story of Prophet Yunus attracts attention in this context. Hz. The relationship between the time Yunus spent in the belly of the fish and the structure of the Diyarbakır Walls has both historical and symbolic meaning.
Historical walls of DiyarbakırIt was not only built for the protection of the city, but also hosted the cultural and religious heritage of the region. One of the most interesting stories told about these ancient structures is the story of Hz. It is the legend about Yunus.
The Importance of Strategic Center Diyarbakır and Diyarbakır Castle in the Flow of History
Due to its location, natural resources, climate characteristics and potential Diyarbakirhas played a critical role in the civilization-building process of human history. This city managed to stand out more than other settlements around it during the periods when people settled down and established strong states. Historical documents reveal that many great states fought hard to possess Diyarbakır.
The construction, expansion and continuous strengthening of Diyarbakır Castle by different civilizations clearly reveals the strategic importance of the city and the desire to dominate it. The castle, which is the symbol of this desire for dominance and fear of loss throughout history, is one of the rare examples in the world.
Although it has been the subject of many scientific studies and still maintains its mystery, this rare structure has not received the value it deserves for a long time; however UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 2015It had the opportunity to be recognized internationally by being included in .
The World’s Longest and Widest Defense Wall After the Great Wall of China
Diyarbakır Castle or Diyarbakır walls, It is an important historical building located in the Sur district of Diyarbakır. The main entrance gates of this castle, which consists of two main parts: the inner castle and the outer castle, include the Dağ Kapı (Harput Gate), Urfa Kapı (Rum Gate), Mardin Kapı (Tell Kapı) and Yeni Kapı (Dicle-Irmak-Şat Kapı).
Diyarbakir walls, which have a history of approximately nine thousand years, are considered to be the longest and widest defensive wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. This structure, which was included in the World Heritage Tentative List by UNESCO in 2000, was officially registered as a World Heritage Site in 2015.
DiyarbakirGoat Bastion, one of the oldest buildings of the city, is also located within these walls. The walls attract attention with their historical importance and architectural features. However, the walls of the castle were damaged during the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.
First production date Although it is not known exactly, the Inner Castle is thought to be the first settlement of the city. According to sources, B.C. It is known that Hurrians lived in the region in the 2000s and that the Hurrian city was surrounded by walls during this period. Also, B.C. It is also recorded that the old walls were repaired in the 9th century, when it was the capital of the Bit-Zamani tribe. There is information that the interventions made during the Roman period took place in 330-338 and 349 AD.
Hz. The Story of Yunus and the Connection of Diyarbakır Walls
According to the Holy Quran Hz. Jonah, Nineveh He is sent to his city as a prophet. However, when he left without God’s permission, he was thrown into the sea while on a ship. Hz. The dolphin stays in the belly of the fish for a period of 3 to 40 days. According to rumors, B.C. Hz. who lived in the 7th century. Yunus spent seven years in Amid (modern-day Diyarbakır) and Fiskaya Cave.
Evliya ÇelebiAccording to Hz. Yunus prays for the people of Amid after they believe.“May your city be prosperous, your people always joyful and joyful, and all your children long-lived, noble and on the right path.” In addition, Melike, one of the daughters of Amalak, the ruler of the city, was among the believers and the inner castle of the city was built by Hz. It is rumored that it was built as indicated by Yunus.
Historian Arafat Yaz, Hz. While discussing the interesting connection between the fish story of Yunus and the turbot, “Hz. The cave under Fiskaya Waterfall where Yunus stayed is located between the Tigris River and the head of the turbot, corresponding to the mouth and nose of the fish. Hz. in the holy books. “The story of Yunus being swallowed by a fish coincides with a narrative symbolizing the Amid Castle being swallowed by a turbot,” he says.
Yaz states that the place where the castle was first founded was a hill surrounded by walls, today known as Amida Höyük. While Amida Höyük was initially a stand-alone castle within the Diyarbakır inner castle, it became an inner castle with the walls built around it later. Considering that this place has a very ancient history, it was used as a strategic military point housing a small number of people rather than being a large settlement. This castle, which corresponds to the eye part of the turbot, was later expanded twice and took its final form, forming the head of the turbot.
“We can say with certainty that this area is the first settlement in Diyarbakır,” Yaz says, adding that the structure was inherited from the Houris. “It is clearly understood from the old photographs of Diyarbakır and the ruins of the city walls that this region was a castle and the first settlement.”
Later, Yaz pointed out that the expansion dates of the inner castle and Amid Castle are uncertain and said, “B.C. IX. “It is known that the Bit-Zamani tribe, which made the city its capital in the 19th century, repaired the old walls, but there is no exact information about the scope of the work,” he said. It is said that these walls, which were fortified during the Hurrian period, developed significantly during the Bit-Zamani Kingdom, which dominated the city for 76 years.
Diyarbakir Walls Hz. The idea that it reflects the story of Yunus has aroused great interest among historians and the public. Although there is no definitive evidence for this claim, the historical and cultural value of the Diyarbakır Walls is an undisputed fact.
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