Diyarbakır Museum

Diyarbakır Museum Directorate: A Journey Through History and Art

The Diyarbakır Museum Directorate, founded in 1934, oversees five museums and one archaeological site. Located within the historic Diyarbakır Inner Castle, the complex is a collection of 14 registered historical buildings.

Museum Buildings and Their History

Artifacts Storage Building: Originally an Artuqid-era caravanserai built in 1203, it was converted into a prison in 1890 and now serves as the museum's artifact storage and restoration laboratory.

Archaeological Exhibition Hall: Completed in 1888, this building was once a courthouse and government office. Today, it showcases archaeological finds from Diyarbakır in a chronological exhibition across two halls and 15 rooms.

Governor's Reception Office: Built in 1891 to commemorate the 18th anniversary of Sultan Abdülhamid II's accession to the throne, this building formerly housed the courthouse and now functions as the governor's reception office.

Museum Administration Buildings: Believed to have been built between 1900 and 1907, these two buildings, previously a foundations directorate and a treasury, now serve as the museum's administrative offices.

Cafeteria and Restaurant: Constructed in 1902, this building once served as a military corps headquarters. Since 2015, it has been a public cafeteria.

Thematic Exhibition Hall: Built between 1887 and 1891 as a cavalry regiment building, it now houses the museum's thematic exhibitions.

Atatürk Museum: Though its exact construction date is unknown, it's thought to be from the early 1900s. It was the 2nd Army Command Headquarters in 1916 and was converted into the Atatürk Museum in 1973.

Other Significant Structures

Saint George Church (Art Gallery): Believed to have been built in the early 4th century, this Roman-era church was later converted into a Turkish bath during the Artuqid period. It now functions as an art gallery, hosting various exhibitions, concerts, and events.

Amida Mound (Artuqid Palace): Excavations at this mound, which represents the first settlement in Diyarbakır, have revealed evidence of habitation dating back to 7000 BCE.

Lion Fountain: This late 19th-century fountain features a limestone statue of a lion.

Artuqid Arch: This pointed arch, dating to 1206-1207, served as an entrance to the Inner Castle. The arch features a relief of a lion-bull struggle.

Suggestions to Enhance Your Visit

While you're here, be sure to experience more of what Diyarbakır has to offer:

Enjoy the View: Have a drink, such as the local reyhan sherbet, at the museum cafe and enjoy the spectacular view of the Hevsel Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visit Holy Sites: Right next to the museum, you can visit the Mosque of Prophet Süleyman and the Tombs of 27 Companions of the Prophet.

Explore the Grand Mosque: Visit the Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, considered the 5th holiest site in the Islamic world. Afterward, enjoy a traditional breakfast at the Hasan Paşa Inn across the street.

Try the Local Cuisine: Don't leave Diyarbakır without trying the famous ciğer kebab (liver kebab).