Urfa

Urfa (anciently known as Edessa), located in Upper Mesopotamia, is an ancient settlement center frequently mentioned in both Ancient and Islamic period sources, as well as Ottoman archival documents. In the sources of Kurdish history, the city appears across a wide time span, extending from the late antique period to the early 20th century.

Ancient Sources

One of the most important records shedding light on the city's early history is the chronicle of Mar Yeşua. Mar Yeşua states in the first part of his work that he wrote it at the request of Sergius, the abbot of a monastery in Urfa (Edessa). The chronicle recounts events between 494-506/7 AD; specifically, the attacks of Sasanian Shah I. Kawad on Amida and Edessa, and the damages caused to the populace by the famine in these regions are detailed (Volume 1, p. 53).

Islamic Period

During the Islamic period, Urfa is also referred to as Ruha within the political structures of the region. Sources state that cities such as Meyyâfârikîn, Ruha (Urfa), Ahlat, Van, and Bitlis were under the rule of İbrahim b. Ali; in this context, the city is considered within the sphere of influence of the Dustekî State (Volume 2, p. 64).

Ottoman Archives

Ottoman archival documents have documented Urfa in much greater detail as an administrative and historical unit. In the Halep ahkâm defters, Urfa is listed as an Ottoman kaza along with settlements such as Suruç, Harran, Birecik, and Rumkala (Volume 3, p. 32). In the list that allows for searching documents related to Kurdish and Kurdistan history via place names, Urfa is also included alongside centers such as Diyarbekir, Mardin, Siirt, and Halep (Volume 3, p. 77).

Early 20th Century

In the events of the early 20th century, Urfa stands out as an important administrative and transit point in the region. Documents contain correspondence regarding passage to Urfa via Siverek and from there to İstanbul (Volume 3, p. 119). Telegrams sent from the Deputy Governor of Diyarbekir to the Dâhiliye Nezareti concerning Kurdish refugees dispatched from Diyarbekir to Urfa illustrate the population movements of this period (Volume 3, p. 130). Telegrams sent by Urfa Mutasarrıfı Nusret Bey, as the administrative head of the city, to the Dâhiliye Nezareti are also recorded in the archives (Volume 3, p. 132).