The Kerkenes Eco - Center Project

By: Françoise Summers, Soofia T. Elias-Ozkan and Berrin Çakmaklı

Department of Architecture, Middle East Technical University, Ankara

In 1993 the Kerkenes Project was inaugurated to study the Iron Age capital that once stood on the Kerkenes Dağ over-shadowing the village of Şahmuratlı. From the outset Project Directors Geoffrey and Françoise Summers were conscious that this international research project would not only have an impact on the village and the local area, but also that it had potential for development at regional and inter-regional level. A central concern continues to be that any social, cultural or economic impact should be for the benefit of the village and region.

The Kerkenes Eco-Center was initiated in 2002 with help from the Australian Embassy Direct Aid Program. By 2003 the concept of establishing an Eco-Center devoted to research into and promotion of renewable energy and sustainable village life was developing. Initial efforts and subsequent annual programs were funded by other embassies, foundations, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) and corporate sponsors. Help in kind also comes from the Yozgat Governorate, the Sorgun District Governorate, the Sorgun Municipality and other local authorities.

Link to Project: http://ifors.org/developing_countries/downloads/dec16-2012/2011EkoyapiKecoeng.pdf