Analysis of Mardin-Kalecik village and its rural area: Results and evaluations regardi̇ng cultural heri̇tage values

Rural architecture has emerged over the years as a product of prolonged interaction between people and nature. These areas not only reflect the relationship between nature and humans but also embody the culture, traditions, rituals, and way of life of a society. Rural landscapes are of significant importance as cultural heritage sites. However, these areas continue to experience depopulation due to industrialization and advancing technology. Rural areas face economic, social, and environmental challenges in response to changing and evolving life needs of local communities. These areas, with their unique identity and character, continue to lose population worldwide due to modernization. Population decline in rural areas leads to neglect and eventual disappearance of environments shaped by accumulated knowledge, cultural values, and heritage. Additionally, these areas, built over centuries, also risk losing their identities and intangible cultural heritage values. Therefore, preserving rural architecture and landscapes is crucial for achieving cultural sustainability. Kalecik village, located in the Nusaybin district of Mardin province, Turkey, is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List with three elements: Mardin cultural landscape, Zeynel Abidin Mosque, and Mor Yakup (St. Jacob) Church (UNESCO Turkey National Commission). Kalecik village is significant in terms of its tangible and intangible cultural heritage values. Despite being declared a "Level III archaeological site," sufficient conservation efforts have not been implemented concerning its historical, archaeological remnants, and environmentally sensitive settlement architecture. As a former Syriac settlement, Kalecik village's gradual depopulation poses a threat to both its tangible and intangible cultural heritage values. Due to its previously unexplored status, rich archaeological, historical, cultural, and architectural fabric, and ongoing population decline, Kalecik village has been chosen as the subject of this study. Documentation efforts have been carried out within the scope of this thesis to better understand the area and assess its value. Recommendations have been developed for the preservation of these values and the future of the village. It has been observed that comprehensive conservation can only be achieved through the sustainable livelihoods of the village residents. In this context, proposals specific to Kalecik village have been formulated, focusing on revitalizing rural life, ensuring the sustainability of existing lifestyles, identifying natural, cultural, and socio-economic values associated with the village, and evaluating opportunities and threats posed by these values to Kalecik village.