The contribution of archaeoparks to cultural heritage awareness: The case of Bursa Hisar

The pressing need to protect archaeological sites amidst rapid urbanization is a global concern. These sites, vital to our cultural heritage, face threats from advancing urban development, especially in historically layered cities. Accurate understanding and contextualization of artifacts from various eras are crucial. Preservation efforts must extend beyond physical continuity and relics to include integration into urban socio-economic and socio-spatial contexts. This holistic approach aids in interpreting layered cities and promoting heritage awareness. This study focuses on the ArchaeoPark initiatives in the Hisar Region, a significant part of Bursa’s cultural landscape. It serves as an example highlighting the importance of preserving archaeological sites and their original artifacts within urban environments. This preservation and display within the city enhance the awareness and understanding of both residents and visitors regarding these valuable cultural assets. Public participation in heritage conservation fosters greater recognition of the importance of these sites, leading to more sustainable preservation efforts. Bursa and its surroundings are key archaeological sites in Anatolia, showcasing a layered urban history. The chosen Hisar region has the potential to unveil this history, becoming a vital cultural heritage area in Bursa. After stressing the importance of urban archaeological heritage conservation, the study delves into pertinent conservation methods. It introduces Bursa as a significant cultural landscape, emphasizing ArchaeoPark activities and excavated artifacts in the Hisar region. Lastly, it offers recommendations to boost the role of Hisar ArchaeoPark in cultural heritage awareness and preservation. This study aims to contribute to efforts focused on increasing cultural heritage awareness, which is a vital aspect of heritage conservation and management, despite being a time-consuming process. The conservation and presentation of archaeological sites within urban areas, exemplified by the ArchaeoPark in the Hisar Region, play a pivotal role in safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations.