FROM SOURCE:

Life has continued in cities since the early stages of human history, and the architectural identity of cities emerges as segments of civilisation are stacked one above the other, develop side by side, or intersect. Not only is Diyarbakir such a city, but it also developed an enriching relationship with every civilisation it has been part of throughout history: Assuming the colours of different civilisations, passing on traditions extending through millennia and expecting harmony from the new. This is an adventure that we are able to trace back in time: With this exhibition, it was our desire to take a tour of Diyarbakir, guided by architectural history, wandering from spaces of faith to public spaces and to residential structures.

Diyarbakir is located in the upper-middle section of the "Fertile Crescent", where the Tigris River gives life to Northern Mesopotamia. Life in the city has continued uninterrupted from the Palaeolithic period to the present day. This continuity means that a cultural heritage of millennia is transmitted from one generation to the next, inscribed on its city walls, displayed in its streets or told through its oral literature. Diyarbakir has been the capital of many civilisations throughout history, and has hosted all the sedentary peoples of Mesopotamia, and also invading forces that conquered the city at war. As its multilingual, multi-religious, multi-national and multi-cultured history is also reflected in its architecture, the city occupies an important place in world architectural history.