Analyzing the Moat of Walled City of Nicosia as a Public Open Space

Public open spaces are the common places for everybody which give opportunities like gathering, resting, meeting, enjoyment etc... There are various types of public open spaces such as streets, squares, parks, waterfronts and moat. Moats are the components of walled cities. Historic places express cultural past of the cities. The walled city of Nicosia was constructed in the Venetian Period (1489-1571) for defensive purposes and it has a moat around it. Nowadays, the moat of the walled city is an important strength of the walled city. It could be used efficiently by local people and visitors if a proper design proposal is adapted it. As it is observed, the moat of walled city of Nicosia today is in poor condition in terms physical, functional, and social qualities. However, it has a potential to be used more efficiently, if it is well designed and improved. The aim of this research is to analyze the moat of the walled city of Nicosia, in order to determine its potentials. Then, according to the findings, some recommendations will be given in order to increase its uses and attractiveness. This research is limited with the analysis of the whole moat, however, the recommendations will be given only for the northern Nicosia. Furthermore, some clues will be given about the uses of the whole moat in case of possible solution of the political situation. This study will be organized in four chapters. The first, introduction is given. The second, theoretical information is given about public open spaces, moat and walled cities. The third chapter, the analysis of the moat around the walled city and its evaluations are put forward. Finally conclusion and recommendations are given. The results from the physical, functional and social analyses show that moat of the walled city of Nicosia has some weaknesses that decrease it’s attractivenes. Such as; inappropriate and inadequate sitting opportunities, lack of greenery, lack of maintenance, and lack of social activities.