SETTLEMENT CONTINUITY IN RURAL CENTRAL ANATOLIA: THE HISTORICAL PROCESS OF A SETTLEMENT FROM BYZANTIUM TO THE PRESENT (NİĞDE-MURTAZA VILLAGE, TÜRKİYE)

Authors : Burak Falay

Pages : 245-270

Doi:10.53718/gttad.1597990

View : 140 | Download : 154

Publication Date : 2025-05-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Although rural settlements play a crucial role in understanding the settlement history of Anatolia, historical and archaeological studies have generally neglected these areas and focused more on urban centers. How rural Anatolia adapted to changing political regimes, environmental conditions, and socio-economic transformations throughout history, and how these processes affected cultural continuity, remains largely unknown. In this context, by examining the historical development and spatial memory of the village of Murtaza in the Melendiz region of Central Anatolia, the study aims to contribute to the understanding of the dynamics of rural settlements in Anatolia shaped by historical, environmental, and cultural interactions and to fill the knowledge gap in this field. The study emphasizes the strategic importance of the village of Murtaza as a military and defensive settlement during the Byzantine period. Archaeological surveys, historical documents, Byzantine castle ruins, and local narratives indicate that the region functioned as a buffer zone against eastern invasions. Abundant water resources and pastures supported the sustainability of the settlement and enabled the development of animal husbandry in the village. During the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, the village underwent a demographic and cultural transformation with the arrival of Turkish nomadic groups. Ottoman cadastral records show the continuity of settlement and the integration of Turkish groups with Greek communities. Today, the village of Murtaza continues to carry the spatial and cultural memory of its historical past. The adaptation of traditional water management systems to modern agricultural needs and the continuation of pastoral practices demonstrate the impact of historical processes on contemporary village life. Particularly striking is the architectural texture that has emerged with vaulted masonry structures that reflect the interaction of Greek and Turkish builders. These architectural features demonstrate local craftsmanship shaped by historical interactions, environmental conditions, and the practical needs of rural life. The community\\\'s connection to its historical roots is also evidenced by the maintenance of oral traditions and the continued use of old place names. This study shows that Murtaza village is a remarkable case study of how rural settlements adapt to environmental and socio-economic changes while maintaining cultural continuity. Such studies will provide a broader perspective on the historical dynamics of the Melendiz region and the rural past of Anatolia.
Keywords : Orta Anadolu, Kırsal Anadolu, Melendiz Bölgesi, Mekânsal Bellek ve Yerleşim Adaptasyonu

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