Perceived poplar as an indicator of urban identity:The case of Muş

Although poplar trees are a defining feature of Muş city landscape in Türkiye, they have been largely removed from the city centre since the 2000s due to concerns over their pollen. The poplar tree role in the city landscape may have changed as a result. However, the extent to which the city centre dwellers perceive the poplar tree as of the city identity remains unknown. One reason for this gap in knowledge is the lack of research with a valid and reliable scale. There was no quantitative research on how much the poplar tree contributes to the perception of the city identity. This quantitative research aims to: (1) identify the dimensions of poplar tree perception among the residents of Muş city centre, (2) determine the extent to which each dimension contributes to the perception of the poplar tree as part of the city identity, and (3) identify intergenerational differences (young adult, middle, mature, and old generations) in this perception. To achieve these aims, the researcher designed, developed, and tested a valid and reliable scale. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) of responses from a convenience sample of 375 adult residents (18 years and older) in Muş city centre suggested a 7-factor solution with 34 items. This scale demonstrated high composite reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Following suggestions from eight experts, the 7 factors were named Poplar Tree Perceived as City Identity, Personal Memory, Social, Spiritual, Usability, Personal Health Harm, and Environmental Harm. A Multiple Linear Regression Analysis revealed that the strongest determinant is the social perception of the poplar tree as part of the city identity. A Multivariate Variance Analysis showed significant intergenerational differences but with a negligible effect size. These findings may contribute to reconsidering the role of the male poplar tree in the landscape of Muş city centre.