Resilience under urban transformation: courtyard and block morphology in traditional Diyarbakır Suriçi

Historic urban fabrics in hot-arid climates face increasing pressure from urban renewal projects that may overlook resilience and climate-responsive principles. Natural disasters, including earthquakes, and human-induced damage further accelerate the loss of historical layers. This study examines morphological transformations in Diyarbakır Suriçi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and evaluates their implications for urban resilience. Using GIS-based mapping, the 2016 Conservation Development Plan (CDP) and post-2017 urban renewal projects were compared in terms of urban blocks, parcel configurations, courtyard areas, and typological changes. Resilience indicators, including diversity, modularity, efficiency, connectivity, and redundancy, were employed to assess spatial impacts. Findings indicate an approximately 65% reduction in courtyard areas and a decline in typological diversity, with L-shaped courtyards becoming predominant. Widened streets, increased building setbacks, and reduced courtyard spaces weaken traditional passive cooling mechanisms, including shading and natural ventilation. These transformations diminish the adaptive capacity of the historic urban fabric and increase vulnerability to future climate-related stresses, highlighting the importance of preserving morphological continuity and climate-responsive spatial elements.