The town is first mentioned in the late 14th century, however a Roman fort indicates that the area has been inhabited for longer. Prior to the Assyrian and Armenian genocide, Assyrians and Armenians formed the majority in the district.
The town's first appearance is documented in the late 14th century, but archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited for a longer period of time. Prior to the Assyrian and Armenian genocide, Assyrians and Armenians constituted the majority population within the district.