The Conservation of the natural heritage in Kandovan, Tabriz, East Azarbaijan

Kandovan is a small town in Iran, in the south of Azerbaijan. It has a unique geological structure; the bedrock is of volcanic origin and consists of pyroclastic (tuff, lapilli, volcanic bombs, etc.). Its natural appearance has partially changed over time and a cultural landscape has emerged. As in Cappadocia, which is located in Turkey and is on the world heritage list, individual volcanic hills called "karan" have been carved by people to create architectural spaces (housing, barns, warehouses, etc.) and a vernacular architectural identity that local people have organized with local building materials over time in Kandovan, and contributed to this geological formation. Its natural appearance has partially changed over time and a cultural landscape has emerged. However, due to rapid and uncontrolled urbanization and tourism, structural and functional deteriorations are observed in areas used as hotels and residences and gaining a local architectural identity, today. Kandovan should be planned and protected with priority conservation policies. One of the main areas of work of UNESCO is protecting and promoting cultural and natural heritage. Natural areas, monuments, and historical sites of international importance can gain "World Heritage" status. The missions of these global and national organizations, such as UNESCO's world heritage, encourage countries to protect their natural and cultural heritage, provide technical assistance and training to their countries, and establish international cooperation. This thesis aims to examine the issues related to the protection of natural heritage in the world and to comparatively examine whether the Kandovan nature reserve in Iran can be listed in the UNESCO Cultural / Natural Heritage List. The thesis aims to examine the geological and architectural values of the Kandovan Natural Heritage area, explore the problems, and develop conservation solutions.