Nusaybin's traditional urban fabric, conservation problems and recommendations

Nusaybin (ancient Nisibis) stands out as one of the most important settlements in Mesopotamia, with its multilayered history stretching from antiquity to the present day. Having been dominated by numerous major civilizations, including the Assyrians, Aramaeans, Babylonians, Medes, Seleucids, Parthians, Armenians, Hellenes, and Romans, the city, thanks to its strategic location, served as a transition point between East and West, increasing its importance from both political and military perspectives, as well as commercial and cultural perspectives. Nusaybin has acquired a multicultural identity throughout history under the influence of diverse communities; contributions from Hellenic, Aramaean, Syriac, Chaldean, Armenian, Arab, Kurdish, and Islamic communities have enriched the city's cultural mosaic. Gırnavaz Mound, located in the north of the city, represents the earliest settlement core, with finds dating back to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. Over time, settlement shifted south to Nisibis Mound, where the core of the ancient city developed. This historical shift demonstrates the city's dynamic settlement character, which has maintained its continuity through relocation throughout various periods. Later, during the Early Christian period, the Nisibis Academy, founded by Mor Yakup, became not only a theological center but also an institution providing education in fields such as medicine, philosophy, natural sciences, and literature, serving as a bridge for the transfer of knowledge from Mesopotamia to Byzantium. The city, which frequently changed hands between the Roman and Persian empires, held strategic and diplomatic importance as a border city and also rose to prominence as a trade center. The Çağ Çağ River, which flows through the city, and the fertile agricultural lands surrounding it were fundamental elements that nourished urban life and economic sustainability. Nusaybin also stands out for its religious and spiritual identity; its location in the Tur Abdin region made it a sacred center for the Assyrian and Christian communities. Extant archaeological sites, monumental structures, traditional residences, and streetscapes constitute living examples of the city's historical and cultural heritage. This study aims to document Nusaybin's traditional urban fabric, shaped throughout history, and to develop recommendations for its preservation. The methodology is based on field observations, architectural analyses, archive and literature reviews, and comparative analysis of aerial photographs from 1954 to 2025. This methodology reveals the city's spatial memory, and monumental structures, examples of civil architecture, streetscapes, and public spaces are thoroughly evaluated. As a result of the research, holistic and sustainable conservation proposals have been developed to preserve Nusaybin's unique urban identity and ensure its cultural continuity. The study has made a concrete contribution to documenting cultural heritage not only at the local, but also at the national and global levels, and to preserving it for future generations.