The Ulu Beden tower, part of the fortification system of the city of Diyarbakır, was built along with several other bastions in 1208 AD during the Artuqid period. The cylindrical construction is faced with smooth basalt blocks. It is encircled midway up its height with a monumental inscription carved in relief; the inscription comprises one line of Kufic script that expands into three lines at the tower’s center, forming a rectangular focal point. Panels with zoomorphic reliefs accompany the inscription.
