PRESERVATION POLICY OF HISTORICAL CITY CORES: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS NOVI PAZAR – NOVI SAD

<p>This paper deals with the analysis of preservation policies for historical city cores in two culturally and historically significant cities in Serbia - Novi Pazar and Novi Sad. The preservation of these urban areas is crucial for maintaining the cultural identity and historical continuity of both cities, as well as promoting their multicultural heritage. The paper examines how political decisions, economic factors, and social circumstances have influenced the processes of preservation and revitalization in these areas. Special attention is given to the Old Bazaar in Novi Pazar, as a symbol of Ottoman cultural heritage, and the historic core of Novi Sad, which carries the characteristics of Austro-Hungarian architectural tradition. The methodology of the paper includes an analysis of legal frameworks, urban planning documents, and existing heritage preservation strategies. The paper highlights specific challenges in preservation, such as the lack of adequate funding, the impact of modern urbanization, and the issue of maintaining authenticity in the context of growing commercialization and tourism. A comparative analysis enables the comparison of preservation approaches in these two cities, identifying similarities and differences in the methods and strategies employed. The paper also proposes future steps for improving preservation policies, including better integration of preservation efforts into broader urban development plans, increased financial investments, and public education on the importance of heritage preservation. The research findings show that preserving the historical cores in Novi Pazar and Novi Sad is not only about protecting buildings and urban structures but also about preserving the identity and cultural values that these communities have carried through the centuries. The synthesis of the research emphasizes the key role of preservation policies in the future development of both cities, highlighting the importance of ongoing efforts to preserve cultural heritage as a foundation for sustainable development and strengthening local identity.</p>