On May 27, 639 CE, the ancient city of Diyarbakir, known historically as Amida, was forever etched into the annals of Islamic history through its conquest by Muslim armies under the command of Iyaz bin Ganem.

Known historically as Amida, Diyarbakır would go on to become a vital stronghold for the Islamic world, a cradle of scholarship, and a bastion of enduring faith.

This year's commemoration marks the 1386th anniversary of that monumental conquest—a pivotal moment that continues to inspire Muslims across generations. More than just a military achievement, the conquest of Diyarbakır symbolized the transformative power of Islam, not through compulsion or destruction, but through justice, enlightenment, and moral leadership.

The Siege and the Strategy: A Testament to Faith and Resolve

With 8,000 soldiers—among them nearly 1,000 Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)—Iyaz bin Ganem laid siege to the formidable city walls of Diyarbakır. The Byzantine stronghold resisted multiple attacks, its thick stone defenses proving nearly impenetrable. The siege dragged on for five long months, including through the holy month of Ramadan, during which the Muslim soldiers fasted while continuing their campaign.

A legendary episode from this siege underscores the spiritual resilience of the Islamic forces. It is said that Khalid ibn al-Walid, one of the most celebrated generals in Islamic history, fasted for three days without food after mistakenly believing supplies had run out. In a remarkable twist, it was discovered that a dog had been stealing bread from his tent through a hole leading into the city. Upon identifying this opening, a group led by his son, Suleyman ibn Khalid, used the breach to infiltrate the fortress and open the gates, turning the tide of the siege.

At least 25 Companions were martyred in the effort to secure victory. They were laid to rest beside the walls of the Süleyman Mosque, their names enshrined in local memory and on plaques commemorating their sacrifice.

Liberation, Not Occupation: A Just Conquest

Contrary to narratives portraying Islamic expansion as imperial, the conquest of Diyarbakır exemplifies Islam's approach of liberation from tyranny and spiritual ignorance. At the time, the city was under Byzantine rule. The local population, subjected to heavy-handed administration, found in the Muslim conquerors a message of justice, mercy, and monotheism.

Upon conquest, the Muslim army disarmed the citizens but offered fair treatment. Conversion was not enforced; instead, the majority of the populace embraced Islam voluntarily. The Islamic forces introduced equitable governance, legal protections, and new cultural and educational opportunities. Thus, the conquest marked not just a change of rulers, but a civilizational and spiritual revival.

A City of Companions: Diyarbakır’s Sacred Legacy

Diyarbakır is often called a "city of companions" due to the large number of Prophet Muhammad’s Companions who fought, lived, or were buried there. Forty-one Companions were martyred during the conquest, and their tombs—particularly around the Süleyman Mosque—continue to be sites of pilgrimage and reverence.

Notable among the martyred were Suleyman ibn Khalid, Ridwan, Mas’ud, Bashir, Hamza, and many others. Their legacy lends Diyarbakır a sanctified status in Islamic tradition, comparable in spiritual gravity to other early centers of Islamic civilization like Kufa or Damascus.

Diyarbakır’s Role in Islamic Civilization

Following its conquest, Diyarbakır flourished as a hub of Islamic culture, scholarship, and governance. Mosques such as the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), constructed from materials of former Byzantine churches, represent the integration of Islamic and local architectural traditions. The city’s sprawling black basalt walls, still intact today, became a symbol of Islamic architectural excellence.

For centuries, Diyarbakır produced renowned scholars, Sufi mystics, poets, and theologians. It was not only a military garrison but also a beacon of intellectual and artistic flourishing. The city’s role in shaping Kurdish Islamic identity also remains profound, given its largely Kurdish Sunni population.

Lessons for the Present: The Spirit of Conquest Today

Modern-day Islamic thinkers and activists often draw inspiration from the conquest of Diyarbakır. As contemporary Muslims grapple with cultural alienation, political instability, and spiritual disorientation, the memory of sincere faith, sacrifice, and moral clarity shown by the Companions serves as a beacon.

Figures like Ömer Çelik, a scholar associated with the Prophet's Lovers Foundation, have used the annual commemoration to stress the need for modern Muslims to emulate the selflessness and spiritual conviction of the Companions. During recent events, Çelik drew parallels between the sacrifices made during the conquest and the contemporary resistance of Palestinians in Gaza, arguing that the enduring spirit of faith cannot be suppressed by material power.

"Victory will always belong to the believers," Çelik declared, urging Muslim youth to reclaim their identity and reawaken their mission in service to Islam.

The Torch of Memory: Keeping the Legacy Alive

Annual commemorations of the conquest in Diyarbakır, including reenactments, marches to the tombs of martyrs, and public prayers, serve not only as historical remembrance but as spiritual mobilization. They aim to reconnect the current generation with the heroic legacy of Islamic expansion as a civilizational force grounded in justice, knowledge, and divine purpose.

In a time of global uncertainty and ideological confusion, the story of Diyarbakır reminds us that true victory comes not through the sword alone, but through the steadfast application of Islamic values, sincere leadership, and unwavering faith in Allah’s promise.

As Muslims around the world mark this historic anniversary, Diyarbakır stands tall—not just as a city of stone and mortar, but as a timeless symbol of Islamic renewal, sacrifice, and divine favor. (ILKHA)