The Inscriptions of the Marwanids in Diyarbakir "A Historical Study"

Abstract

The history and archaeological remains of the city of Diyarbakir, particularly those left by the Marwanid dynasty (373-478 AH / 983-1085 AD) within the city and its surrounding areas, have garnered the attention of travelers, geographers and historians during the medieval Islamic period. The city's monuments have also attracted considerable interest from Orientalists and local researchers in the modern era, who have studied and excavated them across various historical periods. In this context, the researcher not only focused on the examination of written sources but also conducted a field study in the city to observe the monuments dating to the Marwanid rule. The research is divided into two main sections: the first explores the history of the city of Diyarbakir and the Marwanid ruling family, while the second focuses on the analysis of the inscriptions of the Marwanid princes in the city according to a chronological sequence. Thirteen inscriptions from this period have been verified, found either on the city walls or on the bridge constructed over the Tigris River. These inscriptions serve as a tangible signature of the Marwanids' civilizational contributions, reflecting the sophistication of Kufic script and illustrating the cultural heritage of that era.