The Extinction process of spatial and social meaning in Kayseri Cumhuriyet Square and its causes

In this thesis, Kayseri Cumhuriyet Square as an example of Turkish urban squares, its physical and functional characteristics, its spatial meaning in communication and cultural relations is examined. The reasons behind the disappearance of its social and spatial meaning are also studied. In this context, first, the concepts of space and urban space, which form background for the meaning and characteristics of squares, are described with the sub-titles of negative-positive space, dynamic-static space, open-closed-semi- closed space, through which it is possible to make the spatial analysis of a square. The third chapter is reserved for the physical -as scale-proportion, dimension, solids-voids, geometry, color-texture-light-, functional -as usage, continuity of circulation, square-street relation-, and social -as communication, history, local characteristics, preservation, social transformation -characteristics of a square. In the fourth chapter, Cumhuriyet Square as the case study is described and evaluated according to the above-mentioned criteria. The results illustrate that the square in its present condition is not well arranged spatially.IV The "de-squarization" process of Kayseri Cumhuriyet Square, the reasons behind this process, which are; traffic, approaches to modern architecture, transformation in the cultural and social structure, changes in the master plan, influences of the local government, political decisions are demonstrated. As a result, it is understood that despite its great importance for today's Kayseri, Cumhuriyet square is a conceptually indefinite "lost space" which is lacking in all spatial comforts. The fact is that it is not a square but a crossroads with heavy traffic. Science Code Keywords Page Number Advisor : 601 01 00 : space, urban space, Kayseri Cumhuriyet Square, "de-squarization", loss of spatial meaning, loss of social meaning, lost-space : 185 : Doç. Dr. Sare SAHİL