INVESTIGATION ON RATIONAL USE OF WATER IN A PALACE GARDEN: A CASE OF DOLMABAHCE PALACE (MABEYN GARDEN)

Abstract

Water and water resources, which are accepted as a source of life, are becoming more and more important due to global climate changes and increasing human population. At this point, we encounter cities with the highest water consumption and dense population. Especially in landscaping in metropolises, green area applications requiring intensive water use, intensive use of exotic trees and bushes in plant selection and creation of very large lawn areas adversely affect the ecological approach values and sustainable identity of the city due to thirst problems. Since water is so important in today's conditions, the right design firstly starts with an effective survey. Besides, the xeriscape approach and its principles should be considered. In this context, a historical garden sample Dolmabahce Palace (Mabeyn Garden) selected as a study area was evaluated in terms of xeriscape principles. In line with the findings, the extent to which the study area complies with the principles of xeriscape was evaluated. In the evaluations, it was concluded that the planning and design of the garden complied with these principles to a great extent.