Insurmountable Tension? On the Relation of World Heritage and Rapid Urban Transformation in Istanbul

Heritage management in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is not merely about conservation but also serves as a tool for urban transformation. While international organizations and preservationists often criticize the Turkish system for its structural deficits, this study argues that these practices can be seen as an integral part of a flexible management approach. This duality allows for both heritage preservation and rapid urban development, appealing to investors while simultaneously hindering effective opposition to transformation projects in historic neighborhoods.

Marquart, V. (2014). Insurmountable Tension? On the Relation of World Heritage and Rapid Urban Transformation in Istanbul. European Journal of Turkish Studies, 19. https://doi.org/10.4000/ejts.5044