platform_c is an international
network which has been set up with the aim of gaining a better understanding
of Cappadocia and its problems in order to be able to contribute to
their resolution. platform_c is developing concepts for a sustainable
future for Cappadocia and is looking to collaborate with Cappadocia's
inhabitants and all governmental and non governmental bodies involved
in the region.
In the platform_c Cappadocia
Academy experts, artists, teachers and students from various countries
(including Turkey, Germany, England, Japan, the Netherlands, USA, Australia,
Hungary, Poland, etc.) have been studying and working in Cappadocia
for three weeks. We have been learning from the history of Cappadocia
and gaining an understanding of the present situation not only through
observation but by talking to the people of Cappadocia, not only officials
and those in leading positions but also the 'normal inhabitants'.
Because of its uniqueness
and its fascination Cappadocia is facing a number of problems, some
of which are of serious concern. In the face of these issues and problems
it is clear that we need to intensify our efforts and change our strategies
if we want to hand down this treasure to the next generation without
having destroyed a big part of it.
.
platform_c has identified
two major questions that call for further discussion as a matter of
urgency :
>> How can
we protect and restore Cappadocia's natural heritage, the "not living"
cultural heritage, and the "living" cultural heritage in a more comprehensive
way, and
>> What are
the future and modernization concepts for Cappadocia that will respect
its unique character?
.
The preservation and restoration
of Cappadocia's heritage is an extremely delicate and difficult task
and it appears that the strategies and recourses available at present
are far from sufficient. Unfortunately up to the present, change in
the name of modernization in Cappadocia has become a threat to its heritage.
If the current rate of development as experienced over the past two
decades continues we see little hope of Cappadocia remaining a World
Heritage Site.
We believe that two things
in particular are urgently needed to better adress and solve the regions
problems than is presently possible:
>> a powerful
and transparent regional management board that consist of representatives
of all governmental and administrative bodies involved in Cappadocia,
representatives of non governmental groups, further national and international
experts on various fields.
>> a comprehensive
regional protection and development plan that is regularly discussed
and updated, worked out by national and international experts.
.
platform_c offers all its
available resources to help protecting Cappadocia's heritage. Concretely
we are planning the following activities to support a sustainable future
development in Cappadocia:
>> organization
of an international and interdisciplinary Academy with Symposiums,
Workshops and Conferences on Cappadocia related topics
>> creation
of model projects for how to reuse and restore traditional buildings
and build contemporary architecture that respects and protects Cappadocia's
unique environment
>> establishment
of a "Cappadocia Documentation Center", where all Cappadocia related
knowledge is collected and accessible
>> creation
of an regional, national and international network of people that
support the protection and the sustainable development of the Cappadocian
region
.
platform_c is willing to
contribute its expertise to help building a better future for the Cappadocia
region and is looking forward to collaborate on that aim with all involved
institutions.
.
the platform_c organization
board
Cappadocia, September 2000
manifesto
