KENTSEL KÜLTÜR VARLIKLARININ DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİNE VE TANITILMASINA YÖNELİK BİR ÖNERİ: BULDAN ÖRNEĞİ

Abstract

The aim of this research is to raise cultural heritage awareness and to investigate how urban conservation and development can contribute to a sustainable future for the historic town of Buldan in Denizli. In other words, this study is a proposal for a re-valuation of urban cultural assets, by using the functionality of historic buildings, promoting a continuation of hand-weaving traditions and stimulating cultural interaction between local community and visitors. Cultural tourism, community-based tourism and sustainability are analyzed in conjunction with the preservation and re-valuation of cultural heritage. The research proposes that a re-valuation of urban cultural properties and improvements to the infrastructure will increase the tourism potential of the area and extend the average duration of visitor stays. Data have been collected through the Turkish Academy of Sciences-Turkey's Cultural Inventory (TUBA-TUKSEK) Pilot Region Studies, and plans, photographs and cultural heritage-related information has been gathered. The research describes selected cultural assets on a cultural route planned for visitors and proposes to establish a catalogue incorporating cultural route, plans, maps and related materials, as well as photographs of cultural assets taken during short visits to Buldan. The investigations shed light on how the architecture and the area can be promoted without loosing sight of their historical and cultural value. This research is expected to contribute to the local community by providing ways to achieve sustainability and raising the awareness of the importance to preserve and promote cultural assets.