Stakeholder-based assessment of historical urban landscapes as cultural heritage within the context of sustainable development: a case study of İznik (Nikaia)

This article presents an innovative and integrated approach for integrating stakeholder-based assessment results applied to the city of Iznik. This city is located on the shores of Lake Iznik in the Marmara Region of Türkiye and holds a significant place in the archaeology of the Bithynia Region. The main objectives of the article are: (i) to identify the components of the historical urban landscape (ii) to analyze stakeholders’ evaluations of Iznik’s historical urban landscape components based on sustainability indicators, and (iii) to develop proposed urban design strategies consistent with sustainable development goals for the holistic preservation and development of the historical urban landscape of Iznik based on stakeholder assessment. In this regard, survey was conducted to assess and understand the perceptions of stakeholders (n = 120). The results emphasize the critical role that cultural landscapes play in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, and that this role is further strengthened through stakeholder participation and collaborative decision-making processes. This article contains conclusions that may help decision-makers better understand the factors that support sustainable development in similar urban archaeological heritage areas and guide them for using holistic approaches in making cultural heritage management decisions in the future.