Living heritage approach: A case study of Kekova region

The aim of this research to investigate how life-use-protection processes are managed in Kekova Region Üçağız-Kaleköy settlements, which are protected by natural and cultural heritage assets and where life continues in a defined area. Within the scope of current research conservation processes in the region which has been protected by site statuses for many years are discussed by principles of living heritage approach. The need to adapting local community in conservation processes happens to be highly debated topic in cultural heritage management discussions and life-use-protection processes of Kekova Region decided to be an interesting case to discuss with arguments of living heritage approach. Qualitative research methods were used to answer the research questions for this study. The research techniques of documentary research, focus groups and interviews were used in the data development process. Documents related to the region, transcripts from focus group (core community) and interviews with core community, stakeholders and conservation experts were analyzed in accordance with qualitative data analysis techniques. The research findings reveal that a value-based conservation approach is dominant in Kekova Region Üçağız-Kaleköy settlements. Findings also indicated that an integrated conservation approach should be adopted and the core community should be actively embedded in the conservation and management processes in order to ensure sustainable development of the region. Keywords: Tourism, Cultural Heritage, Living Heritage Approach, Kekova Region