How should historic thermal towns be planned? Planning strategies for Karahayıt–Denizli

In order to formulate distinctive and context-specific planning strategies for historic thermal towns, it is essential to construct a robust conceptual and institutional framework. Equally important is fostering awareness and international visibility through engagement with global institutional mechanisms. These actions should be viewed as strategic opportunities to enhance the competitive positioning of thermal cities on the international stage and to stimulate local economic development. This thesis aims to develop comprehensive planning strategies for thermal towns by situating them within the broader context of thermalism and urban development. Through an integrated analysis of conceptual and institutional dimensions, the study underscores the significance of historic thermal towns as geological heritage assets. It further seeks to identify approaches for optimizing their spatial, functional, and administrative potential. Methodologically, the study employs a combination of literature review and regulatory analysis to construct a theoretical foundation. This is followed by an in-depth case study of the Karahayıt thermal town, through which the findings of the conceptual and institutional analyses are contextualized and evaluated. The resulting planning strategies for Karahayıt are organized under three principal themes. First, spatial and functional strategies encompass the delineation of the thermal town's boundaries and legal status, the formulation of a planning and design guide, and the identification of priority areas and themes for intervention. Second, participatory strategies focus on stakeholder engagement and define a stakeholder framework to foster collaborative governance among internal and external actors. Third, management strategies encompass a suite of coordinated plans, including site management, visitor management, geothermal water governance, thermal tourism education, risk mitigation, energy management, and waste management. Through the case of Karahayıt, this research provides a holistic and academically grounded contribution to the planning, design, and implementation challenges encountered in small-scale thermal towns. It advocates for integrated, multi-dimensional strategies that can bridge current gaps between spatial planning and institutional practice.