Determination of protection possibilities in rural areas which transformed under the influence of tourism and changing production dynamics: The case of Alanya

Protecting the rural architectural characteristics and transferring it to future is important for the sustainability of culture. In the frame of this, the present study reveals the rural architectural characteristics of Alanya and suggests ways to sustain them. The main of the study is that the rural architectural heritage of this district is being deteriorated by the influence of tourism compared to other districts. Field study in 68 villages were conducted to determine the current problems of traditional dwelling stock and to specify its characteristics. To determine the way to follow in the study, previous research on rural architecture were analyzed. In addition, interviews were conducted with people living in these villages. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the number of traditional dwellings have been rapidly decreasing. Furthermore, current traditional dwellings are deteriorating and settlement patterns have to a great extent lost their composition. Data provided basis to sustain the rural structure of Alanya as well as the current quality dwellings. In addition, data helped to make decisions about the new settlements. As a result, salient methods and decisions were taken to sustain the rural architecture, transfer them correctly to new generations and protect the traditional texture and structures. It is also important that the current study evaluates the rural architectural characteristics of the whole region in a wide scale. Decisions that were taken and methods that were planned to apply could serve as a basis for various other regions.