Investigation of Kaya Köyü (Levissi) in terms of history and urban texture along with preservation-restoration model

Kaya Koyu is one of the Greek villages in Anatolia where two different cultures and religions lived together for centuries. These two different cultures were separated as part of a population exchange agreement signed at the end of independence war. Today, these two cultures are struggling to revive their friendly and peaceful relationships as it had been in the old days. Sharing a common history and geography, these two cultures, which lived together in the now abandoned Kaya Koyu, are required to participate in the conservation and restoration activities of Kaya Koyu under the theme of "Peace and Friendship Village". Especially in the last 20 years, the problems of reserving the Kaya Koyu is being discussed by a wide range of entities. The site consists of 900 houses, two large churches, various chapels, fountains and school buildings, where overall the site looks towards the agriculturally rich Kayacukuru flat. The houses are situated in an intelligent and simplistic manner on this angled topography. The site bears the ancient roots of its rich culture along with its ambience that resembles the typical island architecture. Despite its history of dependence on agriculture for its economy, current population of the site and nearby village have started to realize and adapt to the ever growing tourism potential. The uncontrolled and unpermitted nature of today's building constructions and tourism activities threatens the historic site. The probable role of the site is researched in conjunction with the tourism activities that the site and its vicinity residents are sought after along with other alternatives approaches.The main objective of this thesis work is to prepare a conservation- restoration alternative that will serve in reviving an ancient Greek village, Kaya Koyu, which has cultural and historical ties, dating back to the ancient times. Kaya Koyu will become a village that is self sufficient, carrying the message of peace and friendship along with legal, financial and govermental organizations that are suitable for the formation of religious and cultural tourism in the site, and eco-tourism for the nearby towns (Kinali, Belen, Keçiler and Gokceburun).