Urban form has become a central focus of study in Turkey, transcending traditional disciplines and inviting a comprehensive understanding of its evolution. Historically, individual towns have been explored primarily through the lens of politics, socioeconomic development, and cultural context. Archaeological excavations have significantly contributed to the reconstruction and analysis of ancient cities in Anatolia and Thrace, such as those of the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Turkish periods.
However, recent years have seen a shift in perspective, with the morphological approach gaining prominence in urban studies. This shift can be attributed, in part, to the extensive urban renewal schemes and large-scale development projects that have resulted in the loss of historical fabric in many Turkish cities. Urban morphology is now increasingly regarded as a vital dimension in the study of urbanization, particularly in relation to the interaction between social, cultural, and economic phenomena.
In Turkey, various disciplines, such as architecture, urban planning, urban design, geography, and urban history, have all contributed to urban morphological research. The evolution of Anatolian civilizations has left a lasting impact on the formation and development of settlements in the region, a phenomenon that has garnered significant attention in research. Furthermore, the significance of urban planning and urban history in understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of urban forms has come to the forefront in the discipline. This integrated approach aims to illuminate the inherent complexities and adaptive processes underlying urban morphology, moving beyond the fixed boundaries of a specific period or discipline to present a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the subject matter.