Seven Brothers Bastion: A Significant Point in Diyarbakır's History

The Seven Brothers Bastion is a historic bastion located south of the Diyarbakır walls. It was built in 1208 by Bercisoğlu İbrahim, son of Yahya, on behalf of the Artuqid ruler Melik Salih. This bastion is entirely made of cut basalt stones and features reliefs of the double-headed eagle, lion, and inscriptions, which are symbols of the Seljuk dynasty.

Among the locals, the Ulu Beden and Seven Brothers bastions, believed to have been built by a father and his son, are called "Ben-u Sen" (Me and You). The valley in front of these two bastions is called the "Ben ve Sen Valley" (Me and You Valley).

According to legend, when Diyarbakır was besieged by enemies, the area defended by the Seven Brothers Bastion did not surrender. The enemy king sent an envoy to negotiate with the brothers defending the bastion. The seven brothers demanded that if they were to surrender, the king and commanders must personally come and grant them amnesty upon surrender. The king accepted the terms, and when he entered the bastion, the Seven Brothers detonated the gunpowder depot, thus saving the city. It is rumored that the bastion was named the "Seven Brothers Bastion" after this event.

The Seven Brothers Bastion contributes significantly to Diyarbakır's rich cultural heritage with both its historical and legendary narratives.