Politics of Loss in a World Heritage Site: The Case of the Historic Vegetable Gardens of the Land Walls of Istanbul

Historic vegetable gardens (bostanlar) within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Istanbul's Land Walls face imminent destruction due to urban renewal pressures, highlighting a critical tension between architectural conservation and cultural landscape preservation. These gardens, integral to local agricultural heritage, are being systematically erased despite efforts by heritage experts to challenge commercial and political imperatives driving urban regeneration. The study reveals that institutional frameworks prioritize monument-focused conservation over culturally sensitive approaches, creating an unsustainable conflict. The fate of these gardens hinges on reconciling these opposing perspectives through negotiation and accommodation.

Aksoy, A., & Kıvılcım Çorakbaş, F. (2021). Politics of Loss in a World Heritage Site: The Case of the Historic Vegetable Gardens of the Land Walls of Istanbul. Heritage & Society, 14(1), 112–138. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159032x.2021.2022917