Harput Artuqids history and architectural works

In historical sources, Harput is commonly referred to as "Hartabird" (stone rock). Harput has experienced the following dominations, respectively: Hittite, Urartu, Roman, Sassanid, Byzantine, Artuqid, Seljuk, Beyliks and Ottoman. Following the 1071 Malazgirt Victory won by Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan against Byzantium, settlements and political unions began to be established rapidly in Anatolia. XII. In the 10th century, the Artuqids established the Artuqids Principality in the Southeastern Anatolia region, centered around Hasankeyf-Diyarbakir, Mardin and Harput, by the Turkmen Emir Artuk Bey and his successors. The Artuqids made this region the most brilliant cultural and commercial center of the period with the castles, bridges, madrasahs, mosques and palaces they built in their areas of dominance. Turkish rule in Harput first began in 1085 during the period of Çubuk Bey. After the short-term rule of the Çubukids, Artuqid Belek b. Behram captured Harput in 1110. The Artuqid rule in Harput, which began with Belek b. Behram, continued until 1234 by his successors. With the Artuqid rule that began in Harput, a rapid social, economic and political structuring process began in the region. During the structuring process, importance was given to the construction of mosques, lodges, zawiyas, foundations and madrasah institutions. Among the most important structures belonging to the period of Fahrettin Karaarslan, one of the Artuqid rulers of Harput, the "Harput Mosque Kebir / Ulu Mosque" is a symbol in terms of its plan, architecture, technical and decorative features. This study has evaluated the historical, political and cultural relations of the Artuqids of Harput in the region by considering the sources of the period in the light of current research. The architectural works belonging to the Artuqids of Harput have been researched and evaluated within the discipline of Art History and History. Drawing attention to the historical and cultural richness of the region, the study offers suggestions on the preservation of these works and their transfer to future generations. The Artuqid period of Harput represents an original example of the Turkish Islamic understanding of art and architecture. It is emphasized that this heritage inherited from the Artuqids still has scientific and cultural importance today. The study also offers the opportunity to evaluate the historical and artistic contributions of the Artuqid Principality in a broader context, unlike the studies conducted so far. Keywords: Harput, Artuqid Principality, Turkish-Islamic Architecture, Cultural Heritage.