Perceptual evaluation of spatial quality in historic urban environments: Zeyrek Mosque and its surroundings world heritage site

Today, change and transformation in the light of technological and scientific developments, rapid growth of the world's urban population and globalization affect cities and urban life in a very comprehensive way with many dimensions, especially social, cultural and economic elements. Population mobility, which takes place depending on these developments, the changes in the way of life and the use of urban space lead to various problems in historical urban environments, which are one of the most important factors that give identity to urban areas. At the point we have reached today, it is a fact that the historic city centers do not have their former value. Both in Turkey and across the world, many of the historic urban environments are characterized by negative images such as problems with drugs, theft and extortion, high crime rates, inadequate social services and poor quality of space. These areas, which create the identity and character of cities, are increasingly became neglecting. Depending on these developments, in recent years important researches are being carry out within the context of livability in urban spaces, the quality of life of users and improving the quality of urban space especially in historic urban quarters in parallel with these. In the framework of the Habitat Summit held in Istanbul in 1996, by the issues of increasing the quality of housing, environment and social relations also providing a certain level of quality by improving the sensitivity of these issues have discussed. It has mentioned that the main problem is our country cannot adapt to urbanization processes and the most damage areas in this situation are old city textures with rich historical, cultural and architectural values. In this study, it has aimed to determine the quality components, its criteria's in urban space parallel with the developments experienced in the world. Additionally, it has attempted to evaluate perceived spatial quality of historic urban environments through these components and its criteria's. In this context, Zeyrek Mosque and Its Surroundings World Heritage Site, which is one of the rare urban areas where the culture and experience of the neighborhood continues with its strong historical character, its unique spatial characteristics and identity, chosen as the study area. The region, which has preserve the traditional texture and atmosphere though entering into a process of neglect and destruction after 1950s due to reasons such as changing users structure, failure to protect registered buildings, new zoning and settlement policies, is an important source in terms of reflecting the last 100-150 years of city. In the first section, the purpose, scope and method of the study has put forward according to thesis study. In the second part, since it is necessary to perceive and experience the space in the frame of defining the quality of space, information about the concept of city, space, urban space and quality has given. In the third section, different approaches towards the definition of spatial quality has examined. In the fourth section, different evaluations made by specialists of the subject and studies done by various institutions and organizations has investigated within the scope of determining spatial quality components. Afterwards, examples for measuring spatial qualities has discussed. In this context, consisting of different cities in the world and Turkey has examined. In the fifth section, reasons for selection of the study area, its location, spatial and social development, related planning and conservation studies, architectural and urban texture characteristics has examined. Finally, the method of field study, design of the questionnaire, results of data and findings obtained as a result of field study has explained. In terms of planning, how the users perceive and evaluate the spatial quality is an important issue. It is essential to meet the expectations, needs and requirements to improve current situation. Accordingly, it is necessary to question the preferences and wishes of different social groups in the society within the scope of the quality evaluation to be carried out. Nevertheless, because of being relative concept, the answers to the question "elements that make a space quality" become different from each other. The interpretation of spaces in a subjective way by the users and the efficient use of the spaces within the city are evaluated as indicators of spatial quality. The physical, environmental, social and cultural qualities of the space can be examined with the question of the feelings and thoughts about the place where the users live and the quality evaluation related to that space can be made. It has been understood that space-specific features must be taken into consideration in evaluations to be made in terms of spatial quality. After literature researches, four main headings identified as "vitality and livability", "identity and legibility", "harmony and integrity" and "transportation and accessibility" has used as main components for the evaluation of spatial quality. Subsequently, sub-criteria's that express each components has created. Within the scope of the study, a total of 100 users were interviewed. After that, the results of the questionnaire has analyzed statistically. In addition to the questions analyzing the demographics of the users, the level of participation in the proposals that measure determined quality components has examined. Thus, spatial quality has evaluated by the users perspective. With the survey study, the criteria's that users find successful or unsuccessful has determined. At the conclusion of study, a number of key factors have been put forward to improve the quality and use of the Zeyrek Mosque and Its Surroundings World Heritage Site. Finally, suggestions have been developed for eliminating missing parts of the study area based on the choices, wishes and expectations of users. As a result of the questionnaire survey, the users stated that they are willing to participate planning studies but that their opinions is not taken into account. The evaluation of the space as a whole and the use of participatory processes in the works to be carried out are important for the positive effects to the projects being worked on. It has been determined that the majority of users are primary and secondary school graduates. Therefore, this situation results in the region not being protected sufficiently. In this context, it is essential to increase the awareness level of users especially about conservation. Finally in this study, it has identified that increase in the quality of an urban space can only be possible if the people using it demand higher quality level. Thus, user feedbacks and specific features about space should be taken into account in evaluations to be made in terms of spatial quality. Today, it is needed that users have a sense of belonging and responsibility to the spaces they live in. As a result of the questionnaire conducted in the study area, it has been understood that the sense of belonging and responsibility of the users is high. Therefore, the importance of preserving the user's structure in terms of the sustainability of the traditional character of the study area has been emphasized.