The fate and history of Besni, which was named Octacuscum in Antiquity, was determined by the Commagene region. Besni was established at an important point at the crossroads between Commagene and Mesopotamia to Anatolia.

In the Historical Site of Besni (Besni Ören Yeri) the medieval ruins are partially preserved. Besni and its surroundings preserved its geostrategic importance during the transition of the Turks to Anatolia, throughout the Seljuk and the Ottoman Periods. The road network that connects Central Asia to Anatolia is equipped with caravansaries and madrasas. Based on coins printed in the city, Besni was an important centre of the Beylik of Dulkadir (Dulkadiroğulları Beyliği - Principality). During the Ottoman period Besni was the coin mint centre.

There are many historical buildings from mosques to churches, from bathhouses to historical bridges in the Ancient Besni Historical Site, which is also called Azim city.

It is known that the Ancient Besni Historical Site was settled continuously until the middle of the 20th century.