Storytelling and the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Southeastern Turkiye: The Case of Diyarbakır and Mardin

This study examines the critical role of storytelling in the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage in the historical cities of Diyarbakır and Mardin, located in Southeastern Turkey. Through an interdisciplinary perspective grounded in heritage studies, oral tradition, and urban memory, the research investigates how narratives associated with tangible and intangible heritage contribute to cultural continuity. The study focuses on folk stories linked to monuments, religious structures, domestic architecture, bathhouses, cemeteries, and sacred sites, as well as traditional crafts, music, and rituals. These stories, passed down orally and reinterpreted across generations, transform static heritage elements into living expressions of identity, belief, and memory. In alignment with the values articulated in UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, it is argued that storytelling strengthens communal bonds and reinforces urban identity. It also emphasizes the importance of digital storytelling, education, and tourism in ensuring the sustainability of oral heritage traditions in the face of globalization. The case of Diyarbakır and Mardin demonstrates how narrative practices serve as powerful tools for safeguarding cultural diversity and fostering a deeper understanding of historical landscapes.