CONSERVABILITY OF YORAN/DIDYMA TRADITIONAL RURAL-ARCHAEOLOGICAL SETTLEMENT: A HISTORICAL REVIEW ON THE CHANGE IN PERCEPTIONS OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUES

Abstract

Historical stratification resulting from ongoing settling is a common characteristic of most Anatolian settlements, both in urban and rural areas. In this regard, Yoran/Didyma rural settlement serves as an example; whose built environment comprises the coexistence of archaeological remains and traditional rural architecture. The continuing life in the traditional rural fabric on/around the ancient artifacts distinguishes Didyma from other archaeological sites. Due to Didyma's archaeological resources, it was designated as a 1st-degree archaeological site in 1976; however, traditional rural architecture and historical stratification of the settlement are neither assigned heritage values nor attempts undertaken to preserve them for a considerable time. More than 30 buildings were registered as cultural assets after 1998; however, this is insufficient to preserve the settlement's authentic character and integrity. In 2015, a major paradigm shift for preserving the settlement emerged by providing the stakeholders with a chance to discuss the settlement's conservation issues. In the conservation field, there are two main approaches which differ in terms of definition, purpose, and main aims of conservation, as well as conservation objects and methods: A material-based approach and a value-based approach. While the material-based approach’s primary goal is to prevent the loss of physical heritage, the value-based approach focuses on the values that society ascribes to heritage. In this context, evidence of these conservation approaches, which were effective in the preservation of Yoran in the historical process, were traced. This study aims to discuss the conservability of the Yoran/Didyma through the changing cultural heritage value perceptions of conservation experts and decision-makers; and is to question whether the conservation statuses defined in the national legislation are sufficient to respond to the unique conservation problems, threats and potentials of the settlement.