Cultural Heritage Management Model for Yesemek Archaeological Site, Gaziantep, Turkey

This study aims to build a model for the management and institutional organization to conservation and development of the Yesemek archaeological site in Gaziantep, Turkey. The scope of this research is the Yesemek archaeological site, which is known as the Yesemek Stone Quarry and Sculpture Workshop. Yesemek is the first outdoor sculpture workshop known in history. It is significant to preserve the Yesemek archaeological site, which has a unique value in Anatolian and Mesopotamian cultures with its original value and to pass on to the next generations. However, multidirectional planning and implementation processes are needed to protect and improve the area. The management of this complex process requires an institutional organization model based on the principles of efficiency participation, cooperation, transparency, and sustainability. As a result of the research, a model of cultural heritage management consisting of governance, spatial, socio-economic, cultural, and financial programs for sustainable protection and improvement in the case of Yesemek archaeological site is defined.