Kayaköy, also known as Levissi, is a unique historical and cultural attraction in the province of Fethiye, Turkey. Once a flourishing Greek village, Kayaköy peaked in the 19th century, serving as a significant agricultural and commercial center. After the Greco-Turkish Wars and the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the 1920s, most Greek residents migrated to Greece, leaving the village abandoned. Since then, Kayaköy has become a ghost town, attracting tourists with its intriguing history and eerie charm.
Architectural and Structural Features
The architecture of Kayaköy, situated in a mountainous and remote area, has distinctive features setting it apart from other rural structures in Turkey:
- Stone Houses: The primary buildings in Kayaköy are often made of stone, showcasing Greek architectural influences. These houses feature sloped roofs and wooden doors, harmonizing beautifully with the natural landscape.
- Abandoned Churches:*Kayaköy is home to two large churches from the past, constructed in the Byzantine architectural style. Today, these churches are recognized as historical and religious symbols.
Cobbled Streets and Pathways: The well-preserved cobbled streets scattered throughout the village allow visitors to explore the area easily.
- Public Buildings Alongside houses, there are schools and meeting halls, reflecting the social and cultural life of the village in the past.
Structural Challenges and Engineering Issues
Given Kayaköy's long period of abandonment and exposure to varying weather conditions, the village faces specific challenges:
-Erosion of Stones and Materials: The stone structures, weathered over time, require restoration and rebuilding. The natural erosion of the stones can pose safety hazards for visitors.
- Preservation of Old Structures: Preserving the old churches, schools, and houses, many of which have been damaged by earthquakes and erosion, presents a significant challenge.
- Mountainous Location and Land Instability: Kayaköy's mountainous and sloped terrain can cause instability in some structures and even trees during heavy rains and storms.
- Humidity and Warm Weather Effects: Located in a warm and humid region, the buildings are subject to high humidity and heavy rainfall, leading to the deterioration of materials, especially wood and stone.
Engineering Efforts and Actions to Mitigate Environmental and Structural Damage
Several engineering and conservation efforts have been made to preserve and reinforce the structures in Kayaköy:
- Restoration and Rebuilding: Restoration teams have worked to rebuild and strengthen the village's stone and wooden structures. These efforts include repairing stone walls and using moisture-resistant replacement materials.
- Reinforcing Structures: Measures to strengthen existing structures to prevent further damage and protect against storms and earthquakes include installing reinforcing systems and wall protections.
- Protecting the Churches The village's historical churches are under specific conservation programs. Due to their high cultural value, these churches have been meticulously restored to prevent further decay.
- Education and Awareness: To protect this historical heritage, educational programs for visitors have been organized to raise awareness of the importance of preserving these sites.
Proposed Solutions for Sustainable Development and Further Reinforcement
For sustainable development and conservation of Kayaköy, several solutions can be considered:
- Using Modern Technologies: Employing new technologies, such as specialized repair materials for stone and wood, can help preserve structures and reduce maintenance costs.
- Protecting Surrounding Natural Resources: Since the area is near forested and mountainous regions, protecting the surrounding natural resources and ecosystems can help prevent erosion and environmental damage.
- Developing Sustainable Tourism: Promoting sustainable tourism that supports environmental conservation and historical preservation can provide financial resources for the restoration and maintenance of the park.
- Environmental Studies and Risk Assessments: Conducting environmental studies to predict climate changes and natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods can aid future planning efforts.
As one of Turkey's historical and cultural attractions, Kayaköy, with its complex past and abandoned, damaged structures, remains a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Considering challenges such as material erosion, high humidity, and the mountainous location, this area requires special care to preserve its structures and protect the environment. By utilizing modern technologies and conservation programs, the current condition can be improved, preserving this historical site for future generations.