Ecocultural Design Model for Historical Settlements Case Study of Mustafapasa

Abstract

The concept of sustainability is an essential concern in the design and planning of historic settlements. To preserve natural, cultural, and social aspects while also contributing to cultural tourism by emphasising the region's historical identity requires a holistic and sustainable design and planning approach in mutual interactions. This study aims to develop an ecocultural design model that combines ecovillage principles with cultural village conservation strategies. The proposed model's principles were examined in Mustafapasa village, a historical and tourism village in Turkey's Cappadocia region. In the first stage, the natural and cultural characteristics of the village were introduced. The village was then subjected to a SWOT analysis, and the results were evaluated within the framework of the theoretical ecocultural design model developed in this study. As a result, strategies have been recommended for the village's development by conserving its natural and cultural assets.