Urban conservation of the historic center of Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This thesis aims to develop a holistic approach to the urban conservation and assessment of the multilayered cultural heritage located in the historic city center of Tuzla, situated in the northeastern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city center, which encompasses architectural and urban features from the Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav periods, faces increasing threats to its historical fabric due to rapid urbanization, insufficient conservation policies, and structural issues caused by unstable ground conditions. Within the scope of this study, the physical condition of historical buildings has been examined in relation to their social, economic, and cultural contexts through a multi-scalar conservation approach. The research methodology includes literature review, archival document analysis, on-site observations, and multilayered spatial analysis techniques. Based on the synthesis of the data obtained, a silhouette survey was produced for the study area, followed by silhouette-based urban design proposals and planning strategies that seek to maintain a balance between conservation and use. These proposals aim to highlight both the potentials and risks within the area in line with principles of sustainable heritage conservation. In addition to proposing a site-specific conservation model for Tuzla, the thesis argues that this model may serve as a reference for other cities in the Balkans. The study also emphasizes the importance of aligning national and local conservation policies with international standards, particularly those defined by ICOMOS and UNESCO.