Kastel project

Gaziantep hosts a unique, millennia-old underground water management system consisting of Livas (subterranean channels) and Kastels (public water structures). This heritage represents an early example of a climate-adaptive, low-energy (“net-zero”) solution to water scarcity, combining engineering, social cohesion, and cultural practices.

Our Kastel Project Concept aims to safeguard this endangered heritage—both tangible and intangible—by integrating advanced digital technologies (e.g. digital twins, immersive storytelling, AI-supported conservation tools) with community-led preservation models, fully aligned with the principles of the New European Bauhaus (sustainability, aesthetics, inclusion).

We are currently seeking a strong consortium leader and committed partners to jointly develop a proposal under HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-HERITAGE-06: Future-proofing sustainable cultural tourism. The project envisions positioning Gaziantep’s water heritage as a replicable model for climate-resilient cultural tourism destinations across Europe and beyond.

What We Offer

• Unique Heritage Asset: A rare and underexplored cultural landscape combining engineering heritage, water management practices, and living traditions.

• Institutional Capacity: Strong local coordination through the Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce, with experience in EU-funded projects (e.g. EEN, GIZ, Erasmus+).

• Multi-stakeholder Ecosystem: Access to municipalities, universities, NGOs, artisans, and tourism actors for piloting and co-creation activities.

• Living Lab Environment: Real-life testing ground for sustainable tourism models, digital heritage tools, and community engagement strategies.

• High Replicability Potential: The Kastel system offers a scalable model for other regions facing water scarcity and heritage degradation.

• Policy Alignment: Strong alignment with EU priorities such as the European Green Deal, climate adaptation, and cultural heritage resilience.

• Communication & Dissemination Capacity: Proven experience in visibility, stakeholder engagement, and international networking.

What We Are Seeking For

• Experienced Consortium Leader

  • Proven track record in coordinating Horizon Europe (Cluster 2 preferred) projects

  • Strong expertise in cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, or climate adaptation

  • Capacity to lead proposal development and project implementation

• Research & Technology Partners

  • Expertise in digital heritage (XR, digital twins, AI, data platforms)

  • Universities and research centers working on conservation, water systems, or climate resilience

• Cultural & Tourism Organizations

  • Experience in sustainable tourism development, destination management, and visitor engagement

  • Networks at European level to support knowledge transfer and replication

• Creative & NEB Actors

  • Architects, designers, and creative industries contributing to innovative interpretation and storytelling

  • Experience with New European Bauhaus projects or methodologies

• Public Authorities & Policy Makers

  • Municipalities or regional authorities interested in piloting or replicating the model

  • Stakeholders engaged in heritage governance and urban planning

• Civil Society & Community Organizations

  • Experience in participatory approaches, co-creation, and social innovation

  • Ability to engage local communities in heritage preservation