Urban conservation in Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula: progress and challenges

Abstract

This paper analyses recent developments in urban conservation planning in Istanbul, with particular reference to the emergence of the concept of sustainable, low carbon urban conservation, and its potential application in the Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula. An analysis of the evolving concepts and practice of urban conservation demonstrates that the evolution from mainly physical goals to embrace socioeconomic goals, in a process of ‘integrated urban conservation’, is being succeeded by a further re-conceptualisation – ‘sustainable low carbon urban conservation’. The development and initial application of this new concept is illustrated by reference to UK experience. In Turkey, academic and professional discourse has yet to significantly embrace this further conceptual development. Indeed, the application of ‘integrated urban conservation’ is severely limited by constraints on implementation. However, the wider urban agenda is now rapidly developing a climate change dimension. It is argued that in this changing context the concept of ‘sustainable low carbon urban conservation’ will evolve and the paper concludes by outlining its potential initial application which would help to move towards achieving a ‘green’ Historic Peninsula.