Urban Agriculture: Implications On Istanbul Cultural Heritage

Abstract

Urban agriculture is part of a cultural heritage; it serves tangible and intangible benefits to the local community. In 1985, UNESCO has recognised the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul as the world heritage site including its Theodosian Walls. Urban agriculture (UA) along the walls has long history. This is a situation to be preserved and valued as cultural landscape heritage for future, though there are recent attempts to demolish that culture. This study aims to promote a productive future vision for urban landscape development in Istanbul by analysing the historical and cultural urban agriculture pattern. As a result of the study, recommendations for the adaptation of cultural and productive landscapes into the urban context of today are proposed as follows: to improve collaboration between governmental and non-governmental institutions; to form an Urban Agriculture Commission; to adapt UA concepts in meso- and micro-scale urban plans and development policies; to conduct a comprehensive review of policy and zoning regulations; to raise awareness; to provide opportunities, financial support and access; to utilise degraded and derelict lands for UA; to adapt permaculture techniques; and to explore possibilities of UA on structures.