Change and Transformation of Cultural Landscape Components: A Case Study of Ulus Historic City Center, Ankara

Abstract

Culture is the factor, nature is the medium and cultural landscape is the result. Researches on cultural landscape is increasing and gaining significance in order to understand, evaluate and protect the values of landscapes. Research, evaluation and protection of cultural landscape features provide values to be transferred to the future. At the same time conservation of cultural landscape areas in urban districts is very important to read and sustain spatial identity.

Ulus Historic City Center (llliCC) which has the most significant cultural landscape features of Ankara, is the main material of this research. The objective of this research is to explore how UHCC is changed from past to present, how it is affected by this change, how it is used today and documenting change and transformation of cultural landscape components within cultural landscape criteria method.

Aesthetic value, identity value, historical and archeological value, social value, artistic value and scientific value are determined cultural landscape criteria for this research. This methodology is used for digital documentation, interpretation and presentation of cultural heritage of UHCC. Cultural landscape components which can be examined in open, semi open and closed spaces (structures related to historic fabric, paths, squares, green spaces and other physical components) and besides social and cultural features of spaces is the content of this research. UHCC's most important five nodes and its vicinities which make significant contributions to its character, are selected. These nodes are historical focal points and contain various cultural landscape components. In this article one node is explained as a case study. Research included examining all available documentation dating from early settlement of the local area through present day. Historic maps, plans, photographs, pictures and drawings were examined and compared to determine changes and transformations occurred in the landscape throughout different periods of history.