Development a new model and attitude scale on urban identity in the scope of urban design: The case of Ankara

In this thesis study, the loss of the identities of the cities and the problem of their similarity are set out. With a holistic approach to urban identity, first of all, all the components that make up and affect the urban identity are put forth. Researchers who have worked on urban identity before have completed their studies on the components of urban identity they have chosen. In this thesis, unlike; Within the scope of urban design, all components related to urban identity are discussed. With this thesis, the importance and necessity of perceptual identity in the formation and continuity of urban identity is emphasized. In this context, a new model of urban identity components, including perceptual identity and its sub-components, was created and the model was completed by taking expert opinions. The method of the thesis is based on developing an attitude scale in order to create a new model, test this model and complete it in line with the findings. In line with the findings of the 5-point Likert-type scale, the decisive role of perceptual identity in urban identity, such as environmental and social identity, has been asserted. In the study, as a result of the analyzes carried out with the pilot application of 37 people and the application of a large sample group of 391 people, the urban identity scale consisting of 4 sub-dimensions in the form of perceptual dimension, cultural dimension, open space use dimension and built environment dimension and a total of 39 items (Cronbach α=0,96, r=0,38) was developed. For the first time, in this study, the components of urban identity were handled through a model, first qualitatively and conceptually, and then with a quantitative study to test this model. This scale and model revealed a different identity dimension based on people's perceptions, apart from the components of urban identity and similar approaches to urban identity. In the application made specifically for Ankara, when the items for which people gave the highest scores regarding urban identity were examined, the responses given to the items related to the perceptual dimension were found to be much higher (I agree=4 points and I completely agree=5 points) compared to the other dimensions. In the urban identity approach of those living in Ankara, perceptual identity was scored higher than the other identity dimensions, so the items based on perception were much more decisive in determining the identity of the city of Ankara.