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.