The Evolution of Heritage Conservation: From Monument Preservation to the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL)

This study aims to examine the historical and conceptual evolution of international heritage conservation approaches. In this context, the study chronologically evaluates international conventions, charters, declarations, recommendations, and policy documents that represent key milestones in conservation. It also examines their contributions to the development of the HUL approach. The evaluations indicate that the scope and scale of conservation have expanded over time, incorporating historical layers, the natural and built environment, social and cultural values, economic processes, and dynamics of change into conservation approaches. As a result, the conservation of historic cities cannot be limited to the preservation of physical heritage; the natural environment, cultural landscape, collective memory, local identity, participatory governance, and principles of sustainable development should also be considered in conservation processes. Within this framework, HUL stands out as an important conservation approach that links heritage conservation with urban development, sustainability, and participatory management processes.