Greenways can be roughly considered as linear open spaces with connection functions. They are planned along with either natural corridors or other routes designed for multi-functional uses, and differentiated from the remainder of the landscape with its unusual potential and natural character and can be considered as linked parks or greenways. In this paper, greenway concept and the definitions offered for it were discussed. The characteristics of greenways, the benefits and liabilities, goals, landscape context and its sustainability and planning approaches were given. Then, Ankara city, the metropolitan area, was criticized. The existing potential of the urban environment, the possibilities of forming such a greenway system for Ankara, along with the valley systems of the city and their suitability for ecological and recreational purpose, were evaluated. Besides, the vitality of greenways for metropolitan areas/urban development and its positive effects on human health was emphasized.

This study was conducted to determine suitable plant species for reclamation of an abandoned coal mine area at Ovacik village within the borders of Yaprakli town in the province of Cankiri, Turkey. The paper comprises three basic parts: (i) sampling and analyses of several chemical-physical properties of the soil; (ii) sampling and identification of the natural plant species; and (iii) determination of topographic features of the study area by spatial analysis tools. Soil samples were taken from 0 to 30 cm depth at 15 sampling sites. Soil textural separates (percent sand, silt and clay), calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ), soil pH, electrical conductivity and soil organic matter (SOM) were measured. Soil properties, especially SOM content, pH and textural separates, exhibited significant variations at the sampling site. SOM content was considerably high and pH was low in the coal storage area. The plant composition of the study area was studied based on the plants collected during the period of vegetation from 2010 to 2011. The collected plants were suitably transformed to herbarium materials and identified according to modern systematic techniques. A total of 54 taxa belonging to 23 families were determined in the study area. The average slope of the study area is approximately 24% and the dominant aspect is south-east. By considering all features of the study area, a total of 28 taxa, excluding natural plant species identified on the site, were suggested for reclamation.

In this study, an efficient system to break seed dormancy and plant regeneration was established for perennial vulneraria milkvetch (Astragalus vulnerariae DC.). The seed coat dormancy could be easily released using 40% sulphuric acid treatment for 15 minutes, which made the seed coat permeable without damaging zygotic embryos. The tissue culture studies reported regeneration on 5 explants, which had variable effects on shoot regeneration, using MS medium containing variable concentrations of Kin-NAA and BAP-NAA. Maximum shoot regeneration of 86.67% with 4.47 shoots per explant was noted on MS medium containing 0.5 mg•l-1 Kin-0.5 mg•l-1 NAA on hypocotyl explants. No shoot regeneration was noted on cotyledon leaf and shoot nodes using MS medium containing any concentration of BAP-NAA. Maximum shoot regeneration of 50% with 3 shoots per explant was also observed on 1 mg•l-1 BAP-0.5 mg•l-1 NAA on epicotyl explants. MS medium containing Kin-NAA induced hypocotyl explant shoots had rooting percentage of 36.67% on 0.5 mg•l-1 IBA, whereas, MS medium containing BAP-NAA induced hypocotyl shoots had rooting percentage of 46.67%. The in vitro cultured plants had an acclimatization rate of 78%. Aesthetically attractive, economical, easy to maintain and water efficient vulneraria milkvetch is currently not available in landscaping. The system of plant regeneration and adaptation suggested by this paper may help to dissipate it to a broad range of water scarce environments as a sustainable and inexpensive choice.

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Troy which is located on the straits dividing the continents of Europe and Asia have retained its geographical significance till prehistoric times. Troia/Troy/Truva was excavated by Schliemann, Dörpfeld and Blegen. Troy mound was formed of a series of fortified settlements built one upon another. Not only the site of Troy itself, but also the surrounding terrain has played an important role in the cultural history of mankind. It has been also one of the best known landscapes in the world since prehistoric times. According to the data obtained from the excavations, the city of Troy must have comprised a total at least 200 000m2, ranking it as one of the largest cities of its period within western Anatolia and Eagean realm. Due to the calculations based on area occupied and productivity of the region, reach about 6000-7000 inhabitants. In view of the increasing assets of natural and cultural heritage of the area, the proposals to take care of the Troy, to protect the surrounding landscape and establish a historic national park have received national support. Association with the national park of Gallipoli (Canakkale) Peninsula on the other side of Dardanelles in an integrated planning approach can be a good solution both for the protection and the sustainability of the area. In this article, the city of Troy as one of the best examples of prehistoric settlements of Anatolia was presented. Troy and its near environs was introduced with its natural, historical and cultural aspects. Settlement formation, urban development, building types, construction material and techniques, spatial organizations in the urban fabric were discussed for different layers of the settlement. And the present situation of the area was analyzed in the frame of cultural landscapes and landscape qualities.