Interpretation of Visual Documents from 20th Century in Restitution of the Towers and Walls at the East Facade at the Inner Walls Area of Diyarbakir

ABSTRACT With its location at a point of intersection between Mesopotamia and Anatolia, Asia and Europe and Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea and on the historical Silk Road, Diyarbakır has always been a significant centre of military, political, cultural and social importance. The walls surrounding the town (fortress) are the most important component in terms of its identity. The Inner Walls are surrounded by Outer Walls that surround an area of five kilometres. The rampart at the tower no. 73 and those between the towers no. 73 and 75, all overlooking the Tigris, were measured and documented in 2011 by total station measuring device, with drawings supported with photos. Then, changes that have occurred over the course of history were defined based on the written and visual materials and drawings arising from research on the area. Comparable research data and in-situ observations, and the drawings regarding the restitution work were designed based on these materials. Ultimately, restoration projects were designed, including modern approaches of preservation and methods of intervention. The project of preservation for the area at the tower no. 73 and the one between the towers no. 73 and 75 at the Inner Walls of Diyarbakır was designed based on universal and national principles such as “preservation of structures without demolishing’’ (Resolution No. 660 of the Board of Preservation of Natural and Historical Heritage) and ”A restoration must stop where conjecture begins’’ (Venice Charter). The aim of this study was to examine the visual materials recorded by researchers as of the beginning of the 20th Century, which constitute the data for restitution, which, in turn, form the basis for restoration works. The related materials in question were interpreted through the completion of disappeared elements according to the method of completion in restitution and in comparison with the current condition.