Natural and Cultural Heritage as Drivers of Urban Resilience: Insights from Bursa, an Anatolian/Turkish City

This study examines how the natural and cultural heritage of Bursa—one of the earliest examples of an Anatolian–Turkish city—serves as a foundational driver of urban resilience. Drawing on a socio-ecological systems perspective, the research analyzes the city’s historical development, settlement morphology, and institutional structures, with particular focus on the waqf–imaret system that shaped social welfare, urban services, and spatial organization. Bursa’s topography-sensitive urban form, strong urban–rural linkages, and culturally embedded community networks enabled the city to absorb, adapt, and recover from repeated shocks, including fires, earthquakes, and socio-political disruptions. Findings demonstrate that cultural heritage in Bursa is not only a passive legacy but an active resilience resource that supports wellbeing, social cohesion, strategic governance, and environmental adaptability. The paper argues that the structural logic of the Anatolian–Turkish city offers valuable insights for contemporary resilience planning and provides a heritage-informed framework for sustainable urban development.