The Atabegs and Ayyubids
Court Life
‘The exchange of gifts strengthened relations between neighbouring territories and rival rulers.’
Many of the objects that furnished the palaces would have been received as gifts from other rulers or nobles. The exchange of gifts strengthened relations between neighbouring territories and rival rulers. The Artuqids – Turkmen from Asia Minor – established themselves in Diyarbakir in Northern Jazira in the late 5th / 11th century. During the course of the 6th / 12th century they became increasingly independent, minting their own currency and forging ties with nearby rulers by sending them gifts.
Diyarbakır Citadel

Originally built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine in AD 349. Additions and repairs made in the Byzantine, Abbasid, Marwanid, Artuqid and Seljuq periods
Diyarbakır, Turkey
The Artuqids, with their court at Diyarbakir, became active patrons of the arts as their wealth increased in the late 5th / 11th century.