The Blue Thread of Dereiçi - Hydrology as a Catalyst for Cultural and Ecological Renewal

SLD has developed a concept proposal for Dereiçi, an abandoned mountain village in Mersin Province, Turkey, exploring how water can support cultural and ecological renewal.

The Blue Thread of Dereiçi reimagines the village as a living open-air museum, where hydrology guides movement, reveals heritage and helps restore the landscape. Water is drawn from two sources: mountain runoff captured through contour-led channels, and groundwater lifted through a photovoltaic-powered borehole.

Together, these systems create shallow streams, wadi corridors, seasonal lagoons and small oasis habitats, guiding visitors through historic streets, shaded terraces and gathering spaces.

Rather than preserving the ruins as a fixed monument, the proposal allows Dereiçi to evolve as a living landscape, shaped by water, season and time.

Concept Project