A proposal for a method of cultural landscape character assessment: A research on the context, method and results for the Cappadocia landscape, Turkey

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Tezin Türü: Doktora

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Mimarlık Fakültesi, Mimarlık Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2015

Öğrenci: ZEYNEP TUNA YÜNCÜ

Danışman: NERİMAN ŞAHİN GÜÇHAN

Özet:

As a case-based study, the research aims to propose a method to characterise the distinctive, historic dimension of today's urban and rural environment in Cappadocia (Turkey). Its methodology is based on the current practice and the approaches to landscape assessment, protection and management. The method also draws on well-established principles of the Historic Landscape Character Assessment (HLC) methodology first developed and used in Cornwall (UK) – but the characterisation approach have been tested and further developed at different scales but within the same broad objectives of improving understanding, protection and the management of the historic environment substantially for the Turkish context. The research includes the following 5 main parts. It begins with a description of the need and context for the assessment, from the perspective of local authorities who require the assessment to inform and underpin landscape strategies at the local level, and more generally as a critique of existing SMI systems. The following Chapter 2 focuses on national approaches to identify/describe and assess cultural landscapes through seperate case studies in UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and US to form a baseline for the development of a method to assess cultural landscapes in Turkey in the following Chapter. Chapter 3, describes and evaluates the background, methodology and application of Cultural Landscape Character Assessment (Cul.LCA) undertaken between 2011 and 2015 in Cappadocia (Turkey). Finally, in Chapters 4 & 5, the research concludes with reflections on the use of Cul.LCA in planning, conservation and management policy on landscape (i.e. informing work on distinct character areas; including identification of areas for designation, mapping of boundaries, justifications for special application of policies, justification for special treatment by designation, and input to management plans and other management initiatives, etc.).