Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF RELIGION & HEALTH, 2026 (AHCI, SSCI, Scopus)
Diyarbakir is recognized as the cradle of civilizations due to its rich historical background and cultural heritage. With the inclusion of the Diyarbakir Castle and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015, it has gained international significance. At the center of this cultural landscape lies Ulu Mosque Square, a spiritual public space influences individuals' sense of peace, identity construction, and sense of belonging. This study aims to examine the effects of the spiritual and architectural environment of Ulu Mosque Square on individuals' inner experiences within the framework of architectural space perception. Designed as a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach, the research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants aged between 18 and 65 years from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds in Diyarbakir, Turkey. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method. The analysis revealed five main themes and 20 cluster themes: the bodily experience of calm through architectural language, connection with roots and place-based belonging, communal selfhood shaped by shared rituals, the reconstruction of personal and professional identity, and the role of spirituality in guiding life purpose and values. The findings indicate that the architectural integrity, historical continuity, tranquil atmosphere, and collective memory of Ulu Mosque Square contribute to spiritual relaxation, mental focus, and a strengthened sense of cultural belonging. Furthermore, a meaningful relationship was identified between the physical characteristics of the space and individuals' inner and identity-related experiences. By addressing the psychological and identity-related effects of historical and spiritual public spaces from an interdisciplinary perspective, this study contributes to the intersection of architecture, mental health, environmental psychology, and identity studies.