WATER SYSTEMS AS CULTURAL LANDSCAPES: CONSERVING THE VALENS SYSTEM AND THE STRANDJA FORESTS

Abstract

Urban dependence on water has historically driven infrastructure development. In water-scarce Istanbul, the Valens Waterline, the longest Roman-period waterline, was constructed, sourcing water from the Strandja Forests. Today, this interconnected system is at risk: while the Strandja Forests are under intense pressure, the water system is only passively and fragmentarily protected by legal recognition. This research aims to contribute to the literature by evaluating the area as a cultural landscape for the first time and offering conservation recommendations. The study finds that the area linked to eight UNESCO World Heritage criteria as an organically evolving cultural landscape. Using a mixed-methods approach, including literature review, archival analysis, spatial analysis, and field surveys, the study assesses the heritage value according to UNESCO guidelines, analyzes conservation issues using the DPSIR framework, and compares site management to the Pont du Gard example. The conclusion identifies conservation priorities and proposes a multi-stakeholder site management