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

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Gazi Street, located in the historic Sur district of Diyarbakır, has served as the centre of the city's commercial and social life for many years. This study examines the street's historical development, spatial design, and the renovation and transformation processes that have shaped its contemporary identity. The main objective of the research is to determine analytical criteria that can be applied to street rehabilitation in historical areas and to evaluate the applicability of these criteria using the example of Gazi Street. Due to its historical and cultural values, Diyarbakır was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015 under the title ‘Diyarbakır Castle and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape’. In this context, the conservation of areas such as Gazi Street is not limited to the conservation of physical fabric; it also encompasses the sustainability of the social, cultural, and economic dynamics that constitute the city's living heritage. In this regard, the research prioritises the conservation of architectural authenticity and the development of pedestrian-oriented spatial arrangements. Methodologically, the study utilized literature review, archival document analysis, and GIS-based spatial and functional assessments. The findings reveal that the Gazi Street renewal initiative exemplifies a context-sensitive conservation approach based on balancing the conservation of historical identity with the adaptable requirements of contemporary urban life.