Analysis of urban space using the Space Syntax Method: the case of Diyarbakır

Each settlement has its own unique structure. The spatial structure of cities can become complex and change over time due to many reasons. While trying to understand these changes in the spatial structure of cities by analysing them with numerical methods, important data are obtained for the sustainability, management and planning of cities. Diyarbakır has a complex urban morphology as a result of changes in its spatial structure over time. The main purpose of this study is to reveal the spatial structure of Diyarbakır by analysing the impact of the accessibility levels of settlements of different periods on urban spatial organisation and to develop recommendations for sustainable urban spatial planning. In this direction, the relevant literature was reviewed, on-site observation and photography methods were used to understand the spatial structure of the city. In addition, qualitative and quantitative methods were evaluated together in spatial analyses, and the Space Syntax method was preferred to quantitatively analyse the urban structure. Within the scope of the study, the street networks of four sample areas selected from three main regions representing different periods of Diyarbakır were analysed numerically through DepthmapX software. Metrics such as H-H integration, connectivity, preference (n), readability, synergy and visual graphic analysis (VGA) were used in the analyses. The data obtained were transferred to Quantum GIS (QGIS), a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software, and thematic maps related to the analysis metrics were created. The areas selected for the analysis are Suriçi, which is the first settlement area of the city and the traditional trade area, Yenişehir, which represents the first example of planned urbanisation, the recently developed area centred on Diclekent Boulevard and the new residential areas around Mahabat Boulevard. A comparative analysis approach was adopted between these areas and the spatial structure characteristics of the regions were examined in detail through the numerical data obtained. The findings of the study reveal that historical, planned and contemporary mixed-structured urban areas show significant differences in terms of spatial organisation. The analytical data obtained enables a more accurate understanding of the spatial characteristics of different urban textures and accordingly, urban improvement suggestions are developed regarding the accessibility levels and functional uses of the areas. The study is unique in terms of analyzing different urban areas of Diyarbakır using numerical methods for comprehensibility, contributing to urban development, design and planning studies and determining the future vision.