A Study on Identity of Pertev Pasa District in Famagusta, North Cyprus, Considering Urban Design Dimensions

Today, urban design as a multi-dimensional discipline have brought another model of societal variation in contemporary world. It shapes the interface among all the significant issues that are converse to human body and environment by means of obligation to oversee and change the communications of the distinct perspectives of civic life into a social and physical formation. Comprehension of physical and social characteristics of urban environments turn into a contemporary research topic in urban design and architecture. The current study attempts to examine the socio-cultural and socio-economic identity of people living in Pertev Pasa district in Asagi Maras (Kato Varosha), Famagusta, to be able to define what kind of a physical environment they would like to live in in the future. Uncertainties in political issues of the area (to be given back to their original owners or investment for a stable development with the existing inhabitants) brought many social and physical tensions within itself. Determining how urban design could be seen as a solution in social landscape and also the roles of urban design in creating a lively settlement to enrich the life quality and development of urban context, are the aims focused on this research. The methodology of research consist of two main techniques in terms of qualitative and quantitative approach. Literature review, questionnaire survey, interview and observation are used as research methods in collecting data. According to the evaluations on social and physical identity of urban environment in Pertev Pasa, some guidelines are recommended in conclusion based on two scenarios that might happen in the future development of Asagi Maras. Keywords: Identity, Socio-culture, Socio-economy, urban design, Pertev Pasa, Asagi Maras, Famagusta, North Cyprus.