Determination of Cultural Landscape Values: Case of Sındırgı

Abstract

Cultural landscape is defined as areas where the built environment and natural formations formed by human activities come together and are shaped in interaction with human culture and identity. These areas include various elements such as agricultural lands, urban and rural settlements, historical buildings, sacred places, intangible cultural heritage elements. Identification of cultural landscape values is of great importance in sustainable urban and rural planning studies together with aesthetic concerns. In addition, it contributes to the protection of place-specific historical and cultural heritage values and the formation of local identity. In this study, it is aimed to determine the cultural landscape values in Sındırgı, Balıkesir. Within the scope of the study, interviews were conducted with local administration, relevant public institutions and local people. The data, information and documents obtained were evaluated and on-site observations and analyses were made. As a result of the study, the cultural landscape values of Sındırgı will be defined, their importance will be emphasised and a perspective on the protection of these values will be presented.