Analyzing the Morphological Structures of Erzurum, Sivas, and Mardin Cities through Syntactic Methods based on Kemal Ahmet Aru's Research

Abstract

This article focuses on the morphological urban analyses of Kemal Ahmet Aru and aims to examine the urban growth relationships of Erzurum, Sivas, and Mardin in the present day. Based on the typologies classified in Aru's Turk Kenti book-Concentric City, Radial City, and Linear City-this study seeks to reevaluate the growth and grid pattern changes in these cities, which Aru analyzed between 1970 and 1990. It specifically focuses on the changes in the historical cores that define the city centers. The Space Syntax method is used for analysis, providing an effective framework to understand how these morphological types have maintained or altered their forms. This methodology helps in understanding not only the physical data but also the impact of human behaviors and relationships on spatial formation. The study also investigates whether the development schemes and market areas that Aru foresaw align with the current urban patterns. By comparing the changing macroforms of these cities over 30-40 years, the article aims to contribute to urban morphology by uncovering the reasons for these transformations.