Character and Perception Changes in the Urban Cultural Landscape in terms of University Students: Bartin, Amasra and Safranbolu, Turkey

Abstract

Anatolia had hosted many civilizations. It has important examples of cultural landscape diversity. Of them, the cities of Bartin, Amasra and Safranbolu were selected as research areas because of the character of their unique cultural landscapes, and because they are located on the cultural tourism itineraries in Turkey's Western Black Sea Region. Today's rapid urbanization pits pressure on cultural landscapes. Perceptions of changes in the character of the urban cultural landscape in the selected cities were determined by administering a questionnaire to Bartin University's Department of Landscape Architecture third year, fourth year and postgraduate students. The participants stated that the Bartin River was an important element of Bartin's character, but that the Bartin River and its environment need to be re-planned for flood risk, and that the historical Bartin houses have a desolate view. The participants revealed that Amasra showed historical and archaeological antique dock characteristics and had visual variety due to its location on a peninsula. However, they said that new buildings in an urban protected area are not compatible with the traditional ones. Finally, their opinions about Safranbolu were presented by the participants as Safranbolu houses were important elements of Safranbolu's character, that saffron was a characteristic plant of Safranbolu and that the current state of the traditional urban pattern gave the city a cultural distinctiveness and an aesthetic appearance. However, they stated that there was not enough open green space in the urban pattern. The perceptions and preferences of university students indicate that the planning and design work appropriate to the urban identity and character are important for the sustainability of urban cultural landscape heritage. In conclusion, the study offers important guidance for Bartin, Amasra and Safranbolu in terms of developing urban design strategies from structure to urban scale.