Tracing Layers of Continuity and Transformation: The Urban Palimpsest of Amida (Diyarbakr) Through Its City Walls and Spolia Practices

Hasan Sercan Saglam, Funda Arslan

Abstract


Diyarbakr, historically known as Amida, showcases a rich urban and architectural heritage shaped by centuries of transformation. This study explores the citys urban palimpsest through an interdisciplinary approach, focusing on the extensive city walls and their expansion phases. Using historical narratives and field surveys, it also highlights the significant role of spolia as a marker of architectural adaptation and continuity, particularly during late antiquity, in a time of recurring Sassanid sieges. The research examines the dynamic fortification and reuse processes in Amidas layered history, exemplified by the Grand Mosque. In the light of reconsidered primary sources, the study eventually proposes a hypothesis on a lost monument within Amidas religious landscape, enriching the understanding of the citys evolving urban fabric.

Keywords


Urban Palimpsest; Fortifications; Spolia; Diyarbakır; Amida

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