Climate crisis and cultural heritage management

KGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Climate change poses significant threats to cultural heritage sites, particularly coastal regions. This study focused on the Side Ancient City in Antalya, Türkiye, examining the impacts of sea-level rise, coastal erosion, extreme temperatures, construction, and earthquakes on its historical and archaeological integrity. Unlike previous studies, this study employed a holistic risk analysis framework.METHODS: The study integrated a literature review, field observations, GIS-based spatial analysis, and comparative case studies to assess Sides' vulnerability to climate-induced hazards. This multi-method approach enabled a more precise evaluation of risks affecting key historical structures.FINDINGS: Sid has experienced magnitude ۵-۶ earthquakes in the last ۱۲۰ years, a ۴.۴۵% loss of green areas in ۱۵ years, and a ۲۰-fold increase in built-up area, rising from ۰.۸۴% in ۱۹۵۳ to ۱۶.۸% in ۲۰۱۰ over ۵۷ years. The average temperature increased from ۱۷.۱°C (۱۹۷۹) to ۱۸.۵°C (۲۰۲۳).Climate change is projected to raise the sea level on the Side coast by ۲-۲.۲ meters. Despite its tourism significance, local-scale visitor data is lacking.CONCLUSION: The study proposed a multi-faceted adaptation strategy to mitigate risks, including coastal defence measures, improved drainage systems, climate-resilient restoration materials, and seismic retrofitting of vulnerable structures. Additionally, it recommended policy reforms and tourism management strategies to support conservation efforts. The research offered a transferable model for protecting coastal archaeological sites from climate-induced and seismic hazards by aligning site preservation with broader climate adaptation frameworks. The study contributed to global heritage conservation by highlighting the urgent need for proactive and interdisciplinary approaches to safeguard cultural landmarks against accelerating environmental change.

کلیدواژه ها:

Climate change ، Cultural Heritage ، Management ، Risk Analysis ، Side Ancient City