Hasankeyf (Batman) Site From Cultural Geological Perspective

Abstract

Hasankeyf, a district of Batman, is positioned near Tigris river, assigned as protected area and consists hundreds of residents which are located in carved rocks. Although, Hasankeyf has lost its importance today, it was containing many civilizations, culture and knowledge in the region before. Hasankeyf is unique since, geologic and geomorphologic structure has been used wisely in accordance with today's conditions. Firstly, defense of the premises had a crucial role while Hasankeyf had been shaped. Carved rocks in there, sheltered thousands of people within a complex organization. Not only the geomorphologic structure, but also the characteristics of rocks have an effect on the generation of carved rock settlements. Hasankeyf should be considered as a cultural geologic heritage owing to, the magnificent appearance of carved rock settlements, the richness of geologic-geomorphologic elements and their effects on the settlement's continuity.