Development of conservation strategies in the context of rural heritage values: The case of Kilistra

Rural heritage is a type of heritage in which traditional life and local economy in rural areas are at the forefront, where the natural and built environment always interact with a cultural bond, which exhibits unique sociocultural characteristics, and which is important to protect and sustain. For this reason, the components of rural heritage were examined and the problems of protecting rural heritage were determined. Kilistra settlement; It was found worthy of being chosen as the subject of the study because it is a rural settlement that has survived to the present day, where the traditional rural texture dominates, where the socio-cultural and economic characteristics and rural heritage values are reflected, in addition to the archaeological and historical conservation areas it carries. The rural heritage values of the settlement were investigated within the scope of natural and cultural heritage components. The findings obtained as a result of the analyzes carried out in the field studies and face-to-face interviews were examined and the natural and cultural rural heritage values that needed to be protected were determined. It has been revealed that Kilistra rural heritage values should be addressed with a holistic approach and their traditional texture should be protected, and that various demographic, economic and administrative factors are effective in the conservation problems of the settlement. It has been revealed that strategies should be developed to increase the quality of life and protect both social and physical quality. In the study, the potentials and problems of the settlement were evaluated separately, and suggestions were made to protect the rural heritage by considering the conservation-use balance.