Transfer of Development Rights for the Effectiveness of the Conservation Plans: A Case from Historic Kemeraltı, 1. Ring Residential Areas in Izmir

Abstract

In Turkey, efforts to preserve cultural heritage are highly problematic and multi-faceted issues. One of the main reasons is highly associated with the limited fiscal compensation provided by central ministries and local bodies to those people who live and/or possess immovable property under their development rights restrictions. It is therefore essential to introduce new tools and tools for the effectiveness of the heritage areas' conservation activities. Turkish Planning System is introduced as a new and innovative solution with the adoption of the new regulations Transfer of Development Rights (TDR). However, up to now there has not been any available application of the TDR yet. The objective of the paper is to discuss the applicability of the TDR as an instrument for the ease of the conservation in the 1st Ring Residential Area which is located in Izmir’s historical area, Kemeraltı region. A bundle of techniques is used: large survey analysis is realized. In-depth questionnaires are used to detect the difficulties for conservation of the heritage in part of the responsible public bodies. Our evidence shows the economic hardship and conflicts involved in the conservation of Historic Kemeraltı area and, without introducing new tools, it is impossible to safeguard cultural heritage.