Preservation of Rural Heritage and Regional Planning Strategies Through Traditional Architectural Typology: The Case of Akkoy, Bilecik

In provinces where the dynamics of industrialization and urbanization are intensifying, migration flows from rural settlements to urban centers are transforming the socio-cultural structure and physical fabric of rural spaces, leading to the gradual weakening of the unique rural identity and, consequently, a decline in its sustainability. This study examines the population loss occurring in rural areas as a result of industrialization and urbanization processes, along with the accompanying issue of cultural heritage preservation, using the village of Akkoy in Bilecik as a case study. Akkoy is considered worthy of preservation due to its geographical location and its architectural fabric, which has survived largely intact to the present day. Within the scope of the research, the architectural typology of 134 traditional dwellings in Akkoy was analyzed in detail based on parameters such as plot relationships, number of floors, construction systems, material usage, and facade characteristics. The findings show that the structures in the village are examples of sustainable architecture, built using local materials (adobe, stone, wood) and adapted to the sloping terrain. However, it was determined that due to intense migration, a large portion of the structures are abandoned and at risk of losing their original identities. The study emphasizes that a comprehensive conservation and management plan covering not only the buildings but also socio-economic activities (silkworm farming, agriculture, etc.) must be implemented urgently to preserve Akkoy’s rural heritage.