THE LANGUAGES OF DIYARBAKIR AND ITS ENVIRONS DURING THE ROMAN EMPIRE: A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

The purpose of the current study is to investigate the languages spoken in Diyarbakir and its environs during the Roman Empire within a historical perspective, highlighting the region's linguistic diversity due to its strategic position, trade routes, and importance as a regional centre. This research employs a historical analysis method and follows a qualitative research design. It focuses on primary sources such as inscriptions, ancient texts, archaeological remains, and historical accounts, which are meticulously examined to explore the languages of the region and their interactions. Data collection is focused on these primary sources, aiming to identify the languages spoken and how they influenced one another. The study reveals a multilingual society where Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Syriac, Armenian, and Kurdish coexisted, reflecting the ethnic and cultural diversity of the area. It also examines the influence of Roman rule on language use, particularly in official and administrative contexts, and how local languages continued to exist alongside the dominant languages of Latin and Greek. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the linguistic diversity of the ancient world by exploring the socio-political dynamics and the role of language in identity and power during the Roman Empire.