Local Identity Values and Analysis of Demre Region (Antalya).

IV. International Architectural Sciences and Applications Symposium, Girne, Kıbrıs (Kktc), 30 - 31 Mayıs 2024, ss.450-466, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

Demre, known as Myra in history, is a district of Antalya province in the Mediterranean region of Türkiye, home

to important cultural and natural heritage. This region has a long history dating back to the ancient Lycian period.

The rivers born from the mountains in the north merged in the Myros Canyon (Demre Stream) and reached the

sea and the settlement was formed in the plain around this stream. At the eastern end of this plain is the Dalyan

where fish eggs live. At the western end of the plain where Demre was founded is the famous port city of Andriake

and at the northern end is the ancient city of Myra. Demre, which bears the traces of the Lycian civilization, is

also home to a part of the Lycian Road, which has been an important trade route since ancient times and has been

an important trade crossroads since ancient times. At the same time, architectural ruins and tomb structures from

this period are among the important historical heritage of Demre. One of the most important values of Demre is

St. Nicholas' and his church, known as the birthplace of Demre and one of the important figures of Christian

history. Demre District has a very rich potential in terms of natural and cultural heritage values and reveals its

local identity. Local identity components require the protection of all tangible and intangible elements in case of

meaning, value, emotion and mystery in the historical process. In this study, it is aimed to determine the level of

importance of the existing cultural values of Demre region in the context of local identity through a survey. As a

result, in this context, in terms of cultural values of Demre region, Myra Ancient City, Kekova Island, St. Nickholas

and Church, Andriake Ancient City and Harbor, fresh fish, squid, olive oil and its dishes, rug weaving, carpet

weaving and felting were determined to have the highest level of importance in terms of local identity value.