Geometric ornamentations of Diyarbakir and Mardin's religious architecture in Islamic Period

Diyarbakir and Mardin entered to different circle with Turkish domination in the 11th centuries, with the light of this effect, a physical environment appeared which is presented various perspective. This environment has important details that will show, cities' political, economic, religious and social connections. Decoration is one of the most significant one in these details. Decoration of Diyarbakir's architectural monuments which is represented Turkish-Islamic arts intensify in the period of Aqqoyunlu and Ottoman period and appear on different types of the buildings. Mosques have the most decorational items as being the focus of all architectural monuments. Basalt is the most common material used for traditional buildings of this area. Limestone and marble are also used. Tiles and woods are used rarely compared to stone and these are preferred inside of buildings. Artukids governed East and South East of Turkey during 12th – 15th centuries and they left many monuments especially in Mardin. It is possible to say that madrasahs are the focus of architectural monuments in Mardin. This detail shows that Artukid Monarchs consider religional researchers more important. Limestone (ocre jaune) which is traditional building material in the region is easy to shape and it represents Mardin's identity during the history of city. Decoration on the both cities' monuments is engraved to the stones in harmony with Islamic Arts' eternity belief.