The Diyarbakır Association for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets (DKVD) is an independent organization founded in Diyarbakır in 1996 by a group of urban volunteers/activists. DKVD focuses on urban rights and social memory studies. It is the only non-governmental organization in Diyarbakır and the surrounding region that systematically conducts multi-faceted studies on the socio-cultural structure, historical texture, fundamental rights violations, and urban rights of cities in Diyarbakır and the region. DKVD also ensures the preservation of our social memory through the creation of the Diyarbakır Digital City Archive.

DKVD’s main activities are carried out under two primary themes:

I. Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Collective Memory:

• Digitalizing and preserving manuscripts and books in churches as part of efforts to
  preserve the cultures of minorities in Diyarbakır.
• Compiling and creating visual, audio, and written documents on the historical and
  socio-cultural memory of Diyarbakır and other cities in the region.

II. Advocacy for the Right to the City and Fight Against Urbicide:

• Diyarbakır Digital City Archive.
• Documenting the memory of urbicide through the testimonies of women, children,
  and youths.
• Recording legal remedies for human rights violations.
• Advocating against urbicide and supporting judicial processes, raising awareness.