Cultural heritage of Sanliurfa documented in visual, written records

Sanliurfa’s historical cultural assets are being documented visually and in writing by a specialized team. Under the leadership of the Sanliurfa Governorship and in partnership with Batman and Harran Universities, a team of nine experts, including archaeologists, art historians, and architects, is conducting the “Sanliurfa Cultural Inventory” project across the city.

Coordinated by Project Coordinator Professor Gulriz Kozbe, the initiative involves updating previously recorded assets and identifying new ones across all 13 districts of the province. The project aims to document around 6,000 cultural assets, including 1,700 historical sites that were previously registered but lacked detailed documentation. Each asset will be visited and documented both visually and in writing.

Transforming documentation into action

Upon completion, the documentation will be compiled into a five-volume inventory book. The project also aims to restore potentially damaged artifacts to their original state and promote new areas for tourism development.

Professor Kozbe emphasized the importance of having records of these cultural assets, especially in light of potential future damages.

Accelerating efforts amid time constraints

The project, which has been underway for approximately seven months, is expected to conclude by the end of next year.

Kozbe noted that the team is not only documenting the sites but also creating digital records, mapping their locations using cadastral data and Google Maps. Architectural plans are drawn for typical examples of rock houses and tombs.

Preserving Sanliurfa’s cultural treasures

Kozbe expressed concerns about the ongoing destruction of cultural assets due to both human and natural causes, stating, “We believe Sanliurfa has at least 6,000 cultural assets. While the 18-month duration of the project may not be sufficient for thorough documentation, we are making rapid progress toward this goal.”

She highlighted the necessity of having a comprehensive database to protect and restore cultural heritage, especially following the significant damage caused by the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaras on Feb. 6, 2023. “Without documentation, the loss becomes irreversible. Having a database would have accelerated restoration efforts in light of such disasters,” Kozbe concluded.

This initiative is not only vital for preserving Türkiye’s cultural heritage but also serves as a valuable resource for future archaeological and tourism projects, ensuring that these treasures are recognized and protected for generations to come.