Geographical Location
The Ambar Çayı Valley is located in a valley along the Ambar Çayı, a tributary of the Tigris River. The valley is located in the Kocaköy district of Diyarbakır and extends from northeast to southwest. The length of the valley is approximately 40 kilometers.
History and Archaeology
Neolithic Period
Excavations in the Ambar Çayı Valley have shown that the region has been settled since the early stages of the Neolithic Age. During this period, hunter-gatherer communities lived in small villages in the valley. These villages consisted of round houses made of stone and adobe. The beginnings of agriculture and animal husbandry are also seen in the valley during the Neolithic period. During this period, people planted cereals such as wheat, barley, lentils and beans, and domesticated animals such as sheep, goats and pigs.
Pre-Pottery Chalcolithic Period
Significant developments took place in the Ambar Çayı Valley in the late Neolithic and Pre-Pottery Chalcolithic Period (6000-4500 BC). During this period, agriculture and animal husbandry developed further in the region, and trade and craft activities increased. It is also seen that the first temples and monumental structures were built during this period. The most important archaeological sites belonging to the Pre-Pottery Chalcolithic Period include Gre Fılla and Kendale Hecala.
Pottery Chalcolithic Period
The use of pottery became widespread in the Ambar Çayı Valley during the Pottery Chalcolithic Period (4500-3300 BC). Excavations carried out during this period have unearthed numerous pottery and terracotta figurines decorated with geometric patterns. It is also seen that the first cities were founded in the region during this period. The most important archaeological sites belonging to the Pottery Chalcolithic Period include Ambar Höyük and Üçtepeler Höyük.
Bronze Age
The Ambar Çayı Valley became an important trade center during the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BC). Products such as obsidian, copper and silver were exported from the region to Anatolia, Mesopotamia and Syria. Temples, palaces and monumental tombs were also built in the valley during the Bronze Age. The most important archaeological sites belonging to the Bronze Age include Ambar Höyük and Üçtepeler Höyük.
Iron Age and Later
In the Iron Age (1200-330 BC), the Ambar Çayı Valley came under the rule of great powers such as the Assyrians, Urartians and Medes. During this period, there was a significant political and cultural change in the valley. After the Iron Age, the region was ruled by the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Ottomans.
Archaeological Excavations
The first archaeological excavations in the Ambar Çayı Valley were carried out in the early 20th century. As a result of these excavations, it was understood that the region was one of the most important archaeological regions of Mesopotamia. Intensive excavations carried out in the valley in recent years have unearthed numerous new finds covering a period from the Neolithic Age to the Middle Ages. These findings show how important a region the Ambar Çayı Valley is in terms of the culture and history of Mesopotamia.
Historical Importance of the Ambar Çayı Valley
The Ambar Çayı Valley is one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia. Archaeological excavations in the region have revealed traces of human settlement dating back from the Neolithic Age to the Middle Ages. These findings show how important a region the Ambar Çayı Valley is in terms of the culture and history of Mesopotamia.
Natural Beauties
The Ambar Çayı Valley is also known for its natural beauty. The valley is home to rugged cliffs, lush forests, clear streams and waterfalls. Among the most important natural beauties in the valley are the Ambar Dam Lake, the Ambar Çayı Waterfalls and the Dicle River Canyon.
Economic Activities
Agriculture, animal husbandry and tourism are the main sources of livelihood in the Ambar Çayı Valley. Wheat, barley, cotton and corn are grown in the valley. In addition, cattle and sheep breeding are also carried out in the valley. In recent years, tourism activities have also started to develop in the valley.
Transportation
The Ambar Çayı Valley can be reached by road. After reaching the district of Kocaköy from Diyarbakır by provincial road, there are various stabilized roads that enter the valley.