The "Water as Heritage" Workshop-I, hosted by our university, was held on May 6–7, focusing on water heritage and climate adaptation. The workshop featured presentations and roundtable discussions on historic coastlines, water heritage, climate adaptation, and the future of the Golden Horn. The opening speeches were delivered by Assoc. Prof. Jülide Edirne, Head of the Department of Architecture, and Yeşim Doran Taş, Architect and Urban Planner, Co-Chair of the HEWACC UNESCO Chair.
Organized in collaboration with the HEWACC UNESCO Chair at Haliç University and the Center for Golden Horn Studies, the two-day workshop brought together expert academics, local government representatives, and experienced professionals from various fields. Participants included scholars from Türkiye and abroad, officials from municipalities and ministries, and cultural heritage experts. The event aimed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and generate sustainable solutions for the future of the Golden Horn.
In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Jülide Edirne highlighted the historical and ecological significance of the Golden Horn's waters, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives for the preservation and sustainable future of the area. She noted that the Golden Horn has served as a vital inner harbor giving life to Istanbul for centuries, and must continue to fulfill a similar role today in environmental, cultural, and social terms.
Yeşim Doran Taş, Co-Chair of the HEWACC UNESCO Chair, provided an overview of the Chair's mission and ongoing projects. She emphasized that HEWACC offers an interdisciplinary perspective on water bodies and coastal heritage, aiming to develop a common terminology and solution-oriented strategies for the Golden Horn.
Sessions titled “Concepts, New Approaches, and Case Studies" explored themes such as water and heritage management, the impacts of climate change, and international best practices. In the roundtable discussions titled “Developing a Common Discourse," participants evaluated potential environmental and cultural threats facing the Golden Horn and proposed actionable solutions.
With participation from academics, municipal and ministerial representatives, and cultural heritage professionals from Türkiye and abroad, the workshop aimed to reinforce interdisciplinary cooperation and contribute to sustainable planning for the Golden Horn's future.
A book compiling the insights and outcomes from the presentations and discussions held during the workshop is planned for publication.