Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Integration of Geographic Information system (GIS) analysis into street renewal criteria: the case study of Diyarbakır Gazi Street

  A context-sensitive conservation approach for historical streets, balancing architectural authenticity with contemporary urban needs, is demonstrated through the renewal of Diyarbakır Gazi Street. This study identifies analytical criteria for street rehabilitation that prioritize pedestrian-oriented spatial arrangements while preserving social, cultural, and economic dynamics—key to sustaining living heritage in UNESCO-listed sites like Diyarbakır's Sur district. Methodologically, the research integrates GIS-based spatial assessments with archival analysis and literature reviews, revealing how adaptive design can harmonize historical identity with modern urban functionality.

  Kakdaş Ateş, D., & Akalp, S. (2026). Integration of Geographic Information system (GIS) analysis into street renewal criteria: the case study of Diyarbakır Gazi Street. İDealkent, (51). https://doi.org/10.31198/idealkent.1661129

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• Patrimonio per la Pace in un Mondo Pieno di Conflitti

  UNESCO World Heritage Site inscriptions can both foster peace and inadvertently exacerbate conflicts, as demonstrated by the contrasting experiences of Ani and Diyarbakır Fortress. While Ani's 2016 inscription was celebrated for its potential to promote global harmony, the same process highlighted tensions surrounding Diyarbakır Fortress, where Kurdish heritage preservation clashes with Turkish military interventions. Activist groups accused UNESCO of indifference, underscoring the complex interplay between cultural heritage, human rights, and social relations in conflict-ridden regions. The study analyzes these dynamics through a case analysis of the 40th Committee session, revealing how inscription processes can trigger or mitigate conflicts, offering insights into the broader implications for heritage management in divided societies.

  Dinler, M. (2023). Patrimonio per la Pace in un Mondo Pieno di Conflitti. Restauro Archeologico, 30(1). https://doi.org/10.36253/rar-14351

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• Audit Design: Know-how to Monitor Community Knowledge Transfer in World Heritage Management Systems

  A semi-automated method called Audit Design has been developed to quantify and audit knowledge transfer from local communities to management plans in World Heritage Sites (WHS). This approach, validated using Knowledge Representation and Natural Language Processing techniques, assesses five levels of knowledge transfer and generates precise natural language representations. Applied to the Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape WHS, it offers a reliable tool for monitoring inclusiveness and ensuring community ideas are effectively integrated into management plans. The method addresses a gap in the literature by providing a systematic way to evaluate the effectiveness of participative engagement initiatives in WHS management.

  PARLAK, G., De SOUZA, C. B., CERUTTI, F., & De RIBAUPIERRE, H. (2023). Audit Design: Know-how to Monitor Community Knowledge Transfer in World Heritage Management Systems. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.8204433

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• The Effect of a Cultural Landscape Area on Urban Green Spaces: Case Study of Diyarbakir Fortress and Hevsel Gardens

  A significant increase in urban green space, from 18.22 to 37.75 square meters per capita, was observed in Diyarbakır's Sur District due to the integration of cultural landscapes like the Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens. This study quantifies how heritage areas, intertwined with culture, nature, and historical architecture, enhance both green space availability and parking capacity (16.64 square meters per person). The research employed field observations, development plans, land records, and digital mapping to analyze the impact of these landscapes on urban functionality. It recommends stricter buffer zone regulations with sustainable, long-term planning that balances traditional and modern elements while maintaining ecological equilibrium.

  BİÇEN, A. (2023). The Effect of a Cultural Landscape Area on Urban Green Spaces: Case Study of Diyarbakir Fortress and Hevsel Gardens. İnsan Ve Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 6(2), 343–376. https://doi.org/10.53048/johass.1371471

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• Muğla Karabağlar Yaylası’nın Kadim Üretim ve Peyzaj Değerlerinin Dünya Kültürel Peyzaj Alanları Çerçevesinde Değerlendirilmesi

  Muğla Karabağlar Yaylası demonstrates significant potential for inclusion in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List as a cultural landscape, owing to its unique micro-climatic conditions, rich biodiversity, including endemic species and agricultural diversity, and distinctive rural architectural typology. The study evaluates the plateau's eligibility using qualitative comparative analysis, comparing it with two established UNESCO sites: Honghe Hani Rice Terraces and Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens. Findings suggest that its sensitive ecosystem, cultural identity, and production values align closely with UNESCO criteria for cultural landscapes, positioning it as a strong candidate for future recognition.

  Cesur, H. C., & Karakaya Ayalp, E. (2023). Muğla Karabağlar Yaylası’nın Kadim Üretim ve Peyzaj Değerlerinin Dünya Kültürel Peyzaj Alanları Çerçevesinde Değerlendirilmesi. Geographies, Planning and Tourism Studios, 3(1), 24–39. https://doi.org/10.5505/gpts.2023.68077

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• Découvrir les jardins de l’Hevsel

  Hevsel Gardens, part of the Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape, has undergone a significant rediscovery during its UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription process. This transformation has led to a re-evaluation of its historical and cultural value by experts, artists, urban planners, and local inhabitants. The research highlights key events and works that have shaped the Gardens into a recognized heritage site, emphasizing its unique significance in the region's history.

  Boucly, J. (2018). Découvrir les jardins de l’Hevsel. Les Jardins de l’Hevsel, Paradis Intranquilles. https://doi.org/10.4000/books.ifeagd.2294

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