Heterotopia as a spatial concept; Kaleiçi example

In this study, which examines the social, cultural, and historical elements of the Kaleiçi District located in the Muratpaşa district of Antalya, the fundamental concept is the notion of Heterotopia by French philosopher Michel Foucault. In this context, the evaluation of space and city is conducted based on Foucault's ideas as required by the main theory of the research. In times when the question "What is space?" is being explored, Lefebvre, who claims that space has three basic principles, posits that these are perceived space, lived space, and conceived space. In this study, I attempted to reveal how the Kaleiçi space is shaped within this tripartite synthesis group and what kinds of changes it induces in its own identity and in the community identity during the shaping process. Generally, in Kaleiçi, where differences between lived space and perceived space are noticeable, there are spaces created in response to designed spaces. We call these opposing spaces Heterotopias. The fundamental idea put forward by Foucault is as follows: Heterotopic spaces are those created by others, that is, by the marginalized, outside the oppressive order formed by utopian social processes. Within these Heterotopic spaces, mosques, churches, and tombs, which still influence society economically and socially with their meaning from the past to the present, stand out. The purposes for which these were made and their usage purposes have gradually changed and undergone a radical transformation today. The living spaces, which are ingrained in our minds as Kaleiçi houses and represent the architectural structures of the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, have succumbed to the desires of society and globalization over the years. Their use has shifted from being detached houses to pensions, lodgings, hotels, restaurants, or entertainment venues. Besides its historical city identity, Kaleiçi has also become a frequent spot for nightlife. In recent years, the central government's economic and cultural interventions have significantly increased, and with their support, organizations are being held. Activities such as the Old Town festival and Ramadan evening celebrations are carried out in this area by municipalities and the state. The social fluctuations arising from these activities please the local tradesmen. Social activities such as art exhibitions, dance performances, and talks emerge as images of the city identity.