A review of the cultural heritage of Anatolian civilizations for the purpose of nature conservation

Abstract

This study focused on opportunities in cultural heritage related to the promotion of nature protection. People currently living in Anatolia are the inheritors of the many civilizations that lived there before them, traces and effects of these former civilizations may be observed in the present Turkish society. Turkey's long history and rich cultural heritage cause conflicts and generate opportunities for present conservation activities related to natural and cultural values. Some places or trees in forests are accepted as holy, so no one desires to destroy them. Because traditional medicine uses plants from the forest, people are more sensitive to conserving them. In addition, places, monuments and festivals of cultural heritage can also represent opportunities for nature conservation planning. For this reason, opportunities hidden in places, monuments and festivals were sought in this study through searching the literature. Another dimension of this paper deals with traditional construction in the Anatolian culture. Protection of ancient buildings means the protection of knowledge. These opportunities discovered from Anatolian cultural heritage can be used to promote the option, bequest and existing values of natural resources. Explaining the theoretical context of natural values is simplified by giving examples from cultural values.