Urban Silhouette Analysis in Historical Peninsula Süleymaniye District Using Digital Twin Technology

Sevenay Uzun Altuntaş; Hatice Atalay; Adalet Dervisoglu

doi:10.31127/tuje.1811939

Urban Silhouette Analysis in Historical Peninsula Süleymaniye District Using Digital Twin Technology

Abstract

The increasing urban population, intensified urbanization, and environmental changes necessitate innovative, technology-driven approaches to achieving sustainable development and enhancing urban livability. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)- supported digital twin technologies have emerged as transformative tools in urban planning, management, and cultural heritage preservation. By replicating the physical environment, digital twins support advanced analysis and simulation processes, particularly in documenting and safeguarding historical and cultural assets. This study investigates the application of GIS-supported digital twins to preserve the historical silhouette of the Süleymaniye District on Istanbul’s Historical Peninsula, a region of significant cultural heritage. A high-resolution 3D mesh model of the area was developed, integrating GIS data on building heights, topography, and spatial density to assess the current silhouette against legal height restrictions and urban planning principles outlined in the Prost Plan. The study identifies structures that obstruct the iconic silhouette of the Süleymaniye Mosque and evaluates the potential of digital twins to simulate urban scenarios, guide restoration efforts, and inform sustainable planning strategies. This research examines the impact of existing and proposed building heights on the skyline through comparative analyses, providing insights into the visual impact of planning decisions in historical and cultural heritage areas. Using digital twin technology and GIS tools, the existing building height model for the Süleymaniye District is compared with the optimal height limits defined in existing zoning plans. This study analyzes the areas where incompatible developments, illegal additions, unpermitted uses, and structures are concentrated, and demonstrates how these areas, due to their location within the Süleymaniye District, negatively impact Istanbul's historic skyline. Furthermore, the methods used in this study offer insights to assist urban planners and decision-makers in overcoming urban and administrative challenges. The findings demonstrate the critical role of digital twins in preserving urban identity and cultural memory while addressing modern planning challenges. This research highlights the potential of integrating digital twin technologies into urban planning and heritage management, providing a robust framework for future applications.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Geospatial Information Systems and Geospatial Data Modelling

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Sevenay Uzun Altuntaş
0000-0002-7222-8974
Türkiye

Hatice Atalay
0000-0002-0623-5172
Türkiye

Adalet Dervisoglu ^*
0000-0001-7455-4282
Türkiye

Publication Date

May 1, 2026

Submission Date

October 28, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 4, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1811939

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA56PE45EZ

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Uzun Altuntaş, S., Atalay, H., & Dervisoglu, A. (2026). Urban Silhouette Analysis in Historical Peninsula Süleymaniye District Using Digital Twin Technology. Turkish Journal of Engineering, 10(2), 640-648. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1811939

AMA

1.Uzun Altuntaş S, Atalay H, Dervisoglu A. Urban Silhouette Analysis in Historical Peninsula Süleymaniye District Using Digital Twin Technology. TUJE. 2026;10(2):640-648. doi:10.31127/tuje.1811939

Chicago

Uzun Altuntaş, Sevenay, Hatice Atalay, and Adalet Dervisoglu. 2026. “Urban Silhouette Analysis in Historical Peninsula Süleymaniye District Using Digital Twin Technology”. Turkish Journal of Engineering 10 (2): 640-48. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1811939.

EndNote

Uzun Altuntaş S, Atalay H, Dervisoglu A (May 1, 2026) Urban Silhouette Analysis in Historical Peninsula Süleymaniye District Using Digital Twin Technology. Turkish Journal of Engineering 10 2 640–648.

IEEE

[1]S. Uzun Altuntaş, H. Atalay, and A. Dervisoglu, “Urban Silhouette Analysis in Historical Peninsula Süleymaniye District Using Digital Twin Technology”, TUJE, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 640–648, May 2026, doi: 10.31127/tuje.1811939.

ISNAD

Uzun Altuntaş, Sevenay - Atalay, Hatice - Dervisoglu, Adalet. “Urban Silhouette Analysis in Historical Peninsula Süleymaniye District Using Digital Twin Technology”. Turkish Journal of Engineering 10/2 (May 1, 2026): 640-648. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1811939.

JAMA

1.Uzun Altuntaş S, Atalay H, Dervisoglu A. Urban Silhouette Analysis in Historical Peninsula Süleymaniye District Using Digital Twin Technology. TUJE. 2026;10:640–648.

MLA

Uzun Altuntaş, Sevenay, et al. “Urban Silhouette Analysis in Historical Peninsula Süleymaniye District Using Digital Twin Technology”. Turkish Journal of Engineering, vol. 10, no. 2, May 2026, pp. 640-8, doi:10.31127/tuje.1811939.

Vancouver

1.Sevenay Uzun Altuntaş, Hatice Atalay, Adalet Dervisoglu. Urban Silhouette Analysis in Historical Peninsula Süleymaniye District Using Digital Twin Technology. TUJE. 2026 May 1;10(2):640-8. doi:10.31127/tuje.1811939