Livability in Historic Urban Quarters Case Study: Walled City of Famagusta

Today livability is one of the main issues throughout the world. In general livability has rolled in three main areas: environmental quality, neighborhood amenity and individual well-being. Generally, the concept of livability involves different aspects of urban life; how well the city works for us, as well as how comfortable and enjoyable our neighborhood and city are. Historic preservation could increase the livability in historic districts. Preservation of historical building and cultural heritage leads to increase livability in the area. Livability has many dimensions and indicators. In this study the physical and functional dimension of livability is examined to measure the livability level in the area, although for complete measurement of livability, the social and environmental dimension has to be measured too. Zone 1 of Walled city of Famagusta is taken as a case study of this research. Due to the lack of appropriate historic preservation and obsolescence, the livability level in the area is questionable. The livability of Zone 1 of Walled city of Famagusta is measured, and some recommendations and suggestions for increasing the level of livability are described. However, before measurement of livability in historic urban quarters, it is necessary to mention about the relation between historic preservation and livability, then the measurement due to these relation will be explained. Keywords: Livability, historic preservation, physical and functional dimension of livability, quality of life, quality of place.