Space | Human | Memory: Integrated Conservation of Bozcaada's Cultural Heritage through Geographic Information System

Abstract

Islands represent complex cultural landscapes shaped by unique nature-culture interactions and the communities that inhabit them. Bozcaada (Tenedos), one of Turkey's largest inhabited islands, exemplifies this complexity through its rich multicultural history, distinctive architecture, and traditional practices such as viticulture and fishing. However, increasing tourist pressure since the 2000s has led to the commodification of the island's physical and cultural environment. This transformation has disrupted local production systems, altered spatial patterns, and undermined the balance between natural, built, and social elements. Recognizing Bozcaada as a living heritage site, this study proposes an integrated conservation strategy rooted in participatory and interdisciplinary methods. Conducted within the framework of the Middle East Technical University Graduate Program in Conservation of Cultural Heritage in 2023, the research draws on expertise from urban planning, architecture, and history to analyze Bozcaada's transformation and to develop tools for its sustainable management. At the core of the study is Bozcaadaĝ GIS, a Geographic Information System-based platform created to compile and analyze spatial and social data. By integrating land use records, architectural documentation, visual materials, and oral histories, Bozcaadaĝ GIS enables multi-scalar analysis of the island's evolving structure. In-depth interviews and community engagement further enrich the system by offering insights into human-space-nature relations. More than a technical tool, Bozcaadaĝ GIS functions as a living archive that documents and visualizes cultural memory while remaining open to continuous updates. Through participatory mapping and open data access, the project fosters local awareness, ownership, and involvement in conservation planning. It reflects a holistic approach that integrates physical, social, and historical values into a dynamic and adaptive framework. The study demonstrates how GIS can support cultural heritage conservation in island contexts by enhancing knowledge sharing, guiding policy-making, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. Bozcaadaĝ GIS offers a replicable model for managing culturally significant and environmentally sensitive landscapes.