A System Dynamics Framework for Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement in the Implementation of the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) Approach in Türkiye

Abstract

Rapid urbanization poses a significant challenge to striking a balance between urban development and heritage conservation, particularly in historic urban environments. In this regard, UNESCO’s Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach reconceptualizes heritage as a multifaceted system of interwoven cultural and natural values, advocating for integrated and participatory governance. Nonetheless, the implementation of the HUL approach in Türkiye is constrained by factors such as institutional fragmentation, overlapping mandates, and inadequate coordination among key stakeholders. This article aims to develop a conceptual system dynamics (SD) framework, informed by existing scientific literature, to elucidate the relationships between stakeholder objectives and the interdependencies that complicate the HUL implementation process in Türkiye. This article compiles and organizes key stakeholders and their corresponding objectives, as delineated in the scientific literature. The proposed conceptual SD model elucidates plausible pathways through which stakeholder objectives may interact with the HUL implementation process. Furthermore, this article presents critical considerations for stakeholder engagement and outlines a conceptual framework designed to enhance it during the HUL implementation process. Ultimately, this article presents a replicable conceptual framework designed to promote adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable implementation of the HUL approach in Türkiye by integrating systems thinking into heritage governance practices.