Classification of Cittaslow (Slow City) criteria and the evaluation of Alanya in this context

With the effects of globalization, urban development driven by economic growth and competitiveness has increasingly marginalized values such as local identity, environmental balance, and quality of life. In response, the Italian-originated Cittaslow (Slow City) movement has emerged as a comprehensive urban policy framework aimed at enhancing quality of life while safeguarding local culture and environmental sustainability. This thesis examines the Cittaslow concept in relation to its historical evolution and core policy criteria and, based on this theoretical foundation, proposes an original Cittaslow model within the context of sustainable urbanization. The proposed model adopts a holistic perspective by integrating environmental sustainability, social integration, and the protection of cultural identity, while emphasizing the active involvement of local governments and communities. It presents a strategic and applicable approach, particularly for cities in Turkey experiencing intense tourism pressure. Following the model proposal, a comprehensive assessment focusing on the city of Alanya was conducted to evaluate the model's adaptability to local socio-economic and environmental conditions. The findings suggest that the model may contribute to Alanya's sustainable development objectives and play an effective role in preserving local identity; however, rapid urban growth and tourism-related pressures are identified as significant challenges to implementation. In conclusion, the Cittaslow model developed in this study is regarded as a strategic instrument for sustainable urban development in Turkey. The effectiveness of the model largely depends on strong cooperation among local stakeholders, inclusive planning practices, and community awareness-raising processes. Future applications and comparative studies in different cities are expected to further clarify the impact of the Cittaslow approach within the Turkish context.