This study aims to evaluate the heritage values and conservation problems of Darkale in Soma, Manisa; a historical rural settlement in which local way of life has been sustained. The method followed in this study is understanding the housing units as primary components of the rural settlement; and then, understanding the authenticity of the rural settlement itself with the tools of the discipline of architectural restoration; and finally developing ways of understanding the integrity of the rural settlement and the natural site in its surrounding. Megaliths, the very narrow and dimly lighted valley, the sound of the brook, the fertile plains around the brook and steep eastern hill skirt viewing the Bakırçay plain make the natural site of Darkale unique. These opportunities have been benefitted starting with the Pergamon Kingdom Period. In turn, a cultural landscape with a very strong sense of place is identified. Pastoral farming and animal husbandry traditional production techniques, recreation activities and religious ceremonies are intangible signs of this cultural landscape. The rural settlement, formed just like a castle, includes very tight organization of its housing units interwoven to each other in all three dimensions, with very limited courtyards, but with passages over the streets. These are peculiarities, but the utilization of Hayat house concept as a basic spatial organization principle in each housing unit necessitates the evaluation of this rural settlement in the same group with other rural settlements dated to Ottoman era. Although the authentic elements have been preserved at a maximum amount; conversion of life style basically stemming from mining becoming a major profession and migration to cities threat the integrity of Darkale in all three scales analyzed. This study has clarified that the absence of the concepts of rural settlement and cultural landscape in the national legal framework creates gap in the listing and conservation decisions of the related heritage. It has proposed tools for the definition and evaluation of the mentioned heritage.