The municipality of Midyat has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal constructions in the ancient Assyrian quarter of the town, which is classified as an Urban Conservation Area. In a recently released video clip, municipal workers are seen demolishing modern additions attached to historic buildings.
"Within the Urban Conservation Area, unauthorized additions and structures incompatible with the historical fabric are being removed one by one," the municipality stated, adding that the work is being carried out in accordance with Law No. 2863 on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets and the decisions of the Regional Council for the Protection of Cultural Heritage.
The initiative forms part of a broader plan to restore and preserve the unique character of the ancient Assyrian town, which today has a small but steadily growing Assyrian community. The removal of unauthorized additions is only one component of a wider preservation strategy. "We carefully safeguard every stone of our ancient Midyat, preserving its unique silhouette and spirit," the municipality wrote.
Veysi Şahin, head of the municipality, announced that 60 kilometers of restoration work have been completed under the Street Sanitation and Facade Improvement Plan. "In accordance with the projects approved by the Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Assets; we have renovated our streets, bazaars and squares with great meticulousness and proper care," he wrote, sharing before-and-after photos of several restored facades. "Our goal," he added, "is to restore all our streets to their ancient identity without ruining the urban aesthetics or damaging the historical texture."
The effort reflects a growing consciousness in Turkey regarding the importance of cultural heritage preservation, an area where European countries have long maintained some of the strictest regulatory frameworks. Şahin’s determination in this endeavor is evident: "Midyat is not merely a heritage, it is a trust. We are determined to pass this unique legacy on to future generations."
As the central town of Tur Abdin in Turkish Assyria, Midyat witnessed the rise of a prosperous Assyrian upper class prior to the genocide of 1915, which left a profound mark on the region. The city is renowned for its castle-like mansions, built from local limestone by Assyrian masons. Several of these historic family residences have since been converted into museums, standing today as reminders of a once-flourishing community.
