HISTORICAL ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION ISSUES: (KARIA PERIOD) "HERAKLEIA-LATMOS”

Abstract

The study was carried out for planning purposes and the Bafa Lake Natural Park located in the Büyük Menderes River Basin and the ancient harbour city near it are considered for protection purposes. Kapıkırı village is located on the ancient city of "Herakleia-Latmos" located on the lake shore. The village is at the edge of the Latmos mountains, which feeds the underground waters of the lake and is in need of protection as an archaeological site. In the study, firstly, the problems of rural heritage in this region are mentioned. In the fields of the mountains there are rock paintings and antique remains. These areas are also active in terms of tourism over rural settlements in the surrounding villages and must be protected first. In addition, the Büyük Menderes River Basin is a region that requires measures to be taken without further delay within an integrated basin planning. The Bafa Lake Nature Park and its surrounding area is a very important archaeological site that is urgently needed for the Urban Conservation Plan associated with the ancient port city of Herakleia-Latmos located on the lake shore and the mountainous surroundings with wide valleys. So the chosen place carries educational and interesting potentials that concern the management of such archaeological and geological sites. The study includes long-term (6-years) periodic observations and surveys based on various findings. The conservation problems in the archaeological and natural areas required by the location and the importance of the zone have been discussed in detail with the recommendation of the precaution.