Evaluation of Conservation Practices in the Ancient City of Urban Archaeological Site Side

Along historical ages, the Mediterranean coast has been land for favorable living. Side was a harbor city located on the Mediterranean coast of Anatolia. With the continuation of life on the city in different periods, Side has a multi-layered historical urban texture. For this reason, Side was accepted 1st degree archeological site area. After the contemporary life has grown up, Side city has been opened to tourism. The city was exposed to mass tourism and then cultural heritage was damaged. During this process, conservation and protection plans were not the first priorities. Illegal buildings related to tourism and deteriorations consistently increased at the city. As a solution, status of Side has been reduced to urban and 3rd degree archeological site which is the main focus of this article. The aim of the study is investigating the effects of tourism on Side in terms of natural, social, cultural, archeological and traditional values and identifying the situation of the city after tourism. The methodology of study goes forward analyzing history of city, identifying the problems caused by tourism, discussing positive and negative aspects of conservation plans. In conclusion, the Side ancient city has changed socio-culturally and physically after tourism.