Identification and Evaluation of the Potential for the Coexistence of Rural Settlements and Archaeological Sites in Şanlıurfa Province

OpenAlex İngilizce

Located in Turkey's South eastern Anatolia Region, the province of Sanliurfa has been continuously inhabited from prehistoric times to the present. Over this period, numerous civilizations have left behind artifacts reflecting their cultures and ways of life. In later periods, people often chose areas with ancient ruins as settlement sites and frequently utilized these remnants to construct new buildings. Today, these settlements, closely intertwined with archaeological sites, are predominantly located in rural areas. The coexistence of rural settlements and archaeological sites sometimes enhances the cultural heritage value of these areas. However, it also poses significant challenges regarding the preservation, management, and evaluation of archaeological sites. Understanding and evaluating the dual relationship between rural settlements and archaeological sites in Sanliurfa is therefore of critical importance. The primary aim of this study is to identify and evaluate settlements in Sanliurfa that integrate rural settlements and archaeological sites. Despite the presence of numerous rural settlements situated on or around archaeological sites in Sanliurfa, no comprehensive academic or scientific study addressing this coexistence has been conducted. Thus, this study is expected to make a significant contribution to the literature by identifying and classifying rural settlements that coexist with archaeological sites in Sanliurfa. This study employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods and was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, through a literature review and archival research, rural settlements intertwined with archaeological sites and designated as conservation sites were identified. In the second stage, these settlements were analysed, and the interaction between rural settlements and archaeological sites was evaluated.