Brief History

Southeastern Anatolia is often referred to as the cradle of civilization due to its location between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This region is home to some of the earliest human settlements, including Göbekli Tepe, which dates back over 12,000 years and represents the world’s oldest known temple complex. The area was part of ancient Mesopotamia, a region that gave birth to early civilizations like the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Assyrians. The Hittites and Hurrians also controlled the region during various periods. Later, it became an important part of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, and after its fall, the Persians, Greeks, and Romans dominated the area.

The region’s importance continued into the Byzantine era, with cities like Dara serving as important defensive and administrative centers. It remained a crossroads of empires due to its location at the junction of Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Persia. The Euphrates River played a key role in the development of these civilizations, serving as a vital source of water, agriculture, and transportation. After the Muslim conquests, the region became part of the Islamic Caliphate before falling under Seljuk and later Ottoman control.