A conceptual approach for Ankara’s cultural heritage: Atatürk Orman Çiftliği

Atatürk Orman Çiftliği (AOÇ), has been established as the first urban agriculture model in the history of the Republic of Turkey. In the course of time, most of the Farmland has been destroyed for reasons such as sale by legal means, renting, and judicial decisions. It has been occupied by buildings. It has lost most of its terrain and historical identity because of misuse. Moreover, the Farm is negatively affected by the city’s rapid urban growth and excessive infrastructural needs. Therefore, the Farm has lost its functions, integrity, and persistency. It is now a wasteland at the center of Ankara. This study aims to preserve the AOÇ lands for reevaluating them with an ecological approach in terms of today’s conditions. Regarding the AOÇ’s founding purposes, this study offers a conceptual approach for reclaiming and reorganizing the Farm. This approach aspires to design an energetic ‘green core’ with urban agriculture facilities and recreational activities for the city. The methodology involves literature review, examination of AOÇ’s historical development process and planning decisions, site analysis, and development of a conceptual approach for the designated study area. AOÇ has a significant place and meaning in the collective memory of the Turkish nation and acts as a bridge that carries the past to the future. To this end, the Farm should be reintroduced to the urban life with new ecological, recreational, and cultural functions by preserving its mission to be an example of a production that fulfills the city’s agricultural and nutritional needs.