Diyarbakır Archaeology Museum – Diyarbakır

Diyarbakır Archaeology Museum – Diyarbakır

The Diyarbakır Archaeology Museum exhibits a wide range of artifacts obtained from Diyarbakır and its surrounding region, representing primarily the Hittite, Assyrian, Roman, Byzantine, Artuqid, Akkoyunlu, and Ottoman civilizations. The museum also displays important findings from the Neolithic Age, discovered in various archaeological sites in the region.
Today, the museum’s archaeological and ethnographic collections comprise over 36,000 artifacts.

Founded in 1934, the museum continued its activities in the Sincariye (Zinciriye) Madrasa, located west of the Grand Mosque, until 1986. This historic structure was commissioned by the Artuqid ruler al-Malik al-Salih Mahmud between 1201–1222. In 1986, the museum moved to its current purpose-built facility, designed according to modern museology standards.

The museum now displays more than 36,000 artifacts belonging to thirty-three civilizations, including the Neolithic period, Hurrian-Mitanni, Assyrian, Greek, Roman, Parthian, Sasanian, Byzantine, Umayyad, Abbasid, Inaloğlu, Nisanoğlu, Artuqid, Akkoyunlu, Karakoyunlu, and Ottoman eras.
Among the notable pieces are Byzantine sarcophagi, Roman sculptures, Assyrian cuneiform steles, Urartian pottery and ornaments, as well as Greek and Roman archaeological materials.
The Islamic-period collection is particularly rich, including ethnographic objects, rare manuscripts, judicial record books, gravestones, an extensive coin collection—mostly Artuqid—and Seljuk stone reliefs and terracotta vessels.

With artifacts dating back 12,400 years, the Diyarbakır Museum is recognized among the world’s museums that house some of the oldest historical objects ever discovered. The museum operates within the Diyarbakır İçkale Complex, which consists of fourteen registered historical buildings.

Significant Structures Within the Museum Complex

Museum Service Building

Constructed between 1900–1907 during the Ottoman period as a public administration building; now used as the museum’s administrative office under the Directorate of Foundations.

Administrative Annex (Ammunition Depot & Ziraat Bank)

Built in the early 20th century; currently serves as an additional administrative building.

Atatürk Museum (General Inspectorate Building)

Built in 1906 as the General Inspectorate Building.
Used as the headquarters of the 2nd Army Command in 1916, and opened as an Atatürk Museum in 1973.

7th Corps Command Building

Completed in 1902; currently operates as the museum cafeteria.

Archaeological Exhibition Hall (Courthouse Building A)

Completed in 1889, originally an Ottoman government building; now used to display archaeological artifacts.

Museum Depot & Restoration Center (Old Prison Building)

Originally built as a caravanserai by the Artuqids in 1203, later used as a hospital; today houses the museum storage and restoration laboratories.

Thematic Exhibition Hall (Gendarmerie Building)

Constructed between 1887–1891 as a gendarmerie barracks; now hosts thematic exhibitions.

Governor’s Reception Hall (Courthouse Building B)

Built in 1891 to commemorate the 18th anniversary of Sultan Abdülhamid II’s accession to the throne.

Aslanlı Fountain

A basalt-stone fountain believed to date to the late 19th century, decorated with lion motifs.

Artuqid Arch

A monumental gateway dating to 1206–1207, featuring reliefs depicting a dramatic struggle between a lion and a bull.

Ethnographic Collection

The ethnographic section provides valuable insights into the cultural identity and daily life of the Diyarbakır region over the past centuries. The collection includes:

• Wooden doors, door knockers, and iron architectural elements
• Mother-of-pearl inlaid chests, ivory- and pearl-inlaid furniture (nightstands, chairs, side tables)
• Handwoven carpets and kilims, cushion rugs, sofa covers
• A rich textile collection of men’s and women’s garments
• Silver-threaded bindallı dresses, üçetek dresses, women’s headdresses, scarves, and socks
• Silver and gold accessories such as headpieces, necklaces, and belts

Among pre-Islamic pieces, Byzantine coins are especially noteworthy