Documentation and mapping of underwater cultural landscapes case study: Ancient Lycia - Kaş

The scope of documentation and mapping of underwater landscapes consists of different disciplines, such as, landscape architecture, archeology, history, geo-metrics and underwater research. Kaş has witnessed ancient civilizations and has countless remains that are waiting to be found and understood. The main objective of this research is to reveal these ancient remains and make them a part of the academic literature. When they have become acknowledged and mapped, a guideline could be provided for preserving and managing our heritages. Since prehistoric times, humans have been using Earth’s water for transportation, nutrition, and trade. Due to the relationship between human and water, people have overcome far distances and cultures become able to interact with each other. Since water covers the seventy-one percent of the world, excluding underwater while studying cultural landscapes, would be ignoring an extensive piece of the whole. Kaş was selected as research area because its culture and interaction with sea dates backs to prehistoric times. The chosen sites include the dive sites located in the central area and nearby islands. First, the history, geography and the importance of Kaş were researched. Preliminary survey maps formed with reference to underwater topography, currents, prevailing winds, and refuge locations for vessels. Thereafter, carefully planned dives were followed through. Within the extent of research, the findings and artifacts are documented and marked with their exact coordinates on an underwater map. Finally, the research is moved forward with studying protection and managing underwater cultural landscapes and conclusions have been made for Kaş.