Conservation and sustainability of rural heritage in Adana Karaisalı: The example of Aşağıbelemedik village

Aşağıbelemedik is a historic village located in southern Turkey and depending on Karaisalı which is a district of Adana province. The village has importance in terms of its ancient history and having unique examples of traditional stone houses. Aşağıbelemedik is among the rare villages that have preserved its originality in the Karaisalı region. Another distinctive characteristic of Aşağıbelemedik-which has an effective role in choosing this village as a case study- is being close to touristic areas. Aşağıbelemedik village which is called "Keşiştepe" in old times, settled on a rocky area. Because of easily found in nature, being reachable and cheap; stone has become the main material used in the construction of houses. The craftsmen who built these stone houses are not alive today so this traditional construction technique has documentary value. Rural heritage, which is an important part of local culture, is under threat due to factors such as abandonment or unconscious renovation of buildings. Besides tangible heritage, intangible heritage is also affected from these factors. Being vulnerable to today's conditions makes it necessary to work on the conservation and sustainability of the rural architectural heritage. To understand the current state and the potentials of the Aşağıbelemedik analyzes at the scale of settlement and building will be made through on-site observation and photographing methods. In addition, the survey method used and interviews to inhabitants made to determine the social, economic, and physical situation in the village. Inventory slips will be prepared for each stone house which has a unique characteristic. The scope of this research is to develop cultural tourism activities through planning a cultural route in the Karaisalı district to protect cultural and natural heritage. Therefore, a cultural route is planned which includes Aşağıbelemedik village and touristic areas around it. In conclusion, the tangible and intangible values of the rural heritage must be preserved as a whole. Also, appropriate heritage management methods should be developed in the conservation process involving local people. Keywords: Aşağı Belemedik, rural heritage, conservation, Karaisalı, cultural route