Morphological analysis of identity formation and transformation in the historical urban fabric: the case of Antalya Kaleiçi

This study examines the spatial transformation, morphological development, and conservation planning processes of Kaleiçi, the historical core of Antalya, within the context of urban planning and heritage conservation. The research evaluates in detail the physical and spatial evolution of Kaleiçi from the Hellenistic period to the present, focusing on its historical layers and transformations in urban form. Post-Republican conservation plans, planning decisions, and spatial strategies are analyzed in relation to their impacts on the district's authentic fabric and morphological integrity. The findings reveal that the key factors shaping Kaleiçi's spatial character are historical continuity, topographical structure, planning approaches, and conservation decisions. The study supports the concept of urban identity by offering a perspective centered not on Antalya's overall urban identity but specifically on Kaleiçi's morphological structure, historical stratification, and planning framework, thereby providing guiding insights for future conservation and planning practices.