A Conceptual Proposal for Ankara's Historical Heritage: Atatürk Forest Farm

Abstract Context Established as green infrastructure for the creation of a systematic agricultural structure for the first time in the history of the Republic, Atatürk Forest Farm (AOÇ) is a cultural heritage. AOÇ has the capacity to become a new food planning and management center as well as an urban open space for citizens and to reconstitute Ankara as a self-sufficient city in the 21st century. Objectives 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 proposal for reclaiming and reorganizing the Farm. Methods The methodology involves literature reviews, examination of AOÇ’s historical development process and planning decisions, site analysis, and development of a conceptual proposal for the designated study area. Results Urban agriculture (UA) has the potential to modify existing urban sites into new forms of green spaces offering an alternative land use integrating multiple uses. This study proposes conceptually some opportunities for developing AOÇ, which has the potential to become a productive and ecologically sustainable urban green space with offering various UA benefits. Conclusions 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. 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.