Investigation of the perception-practical relationship in Istanbul-Taksim square case

Space identity; Geographic, architectural, climatic and sociocultural values in an area. Space usage practices are also shaped by geographical, architectural, climatic and sociocultural factors. Therefore, there is a defining relationship between space identity and usage practices. Space identity is the integration and shaping of the values such as historical, cultural, social and political factors coded about a space in the mind of society. In other words, we accept the identity of a public sphere as a social phenomenon. In addition, we see that the effect of the identity of the public spaces that have brought society together in recent years is a matter of debate. This study investigates the relationship between perception and usage practices in the formation of the identity of urban squares which are accepted as key spaces from public spaces for the society. As the research area, Taksim Square has been chosen as the subject of the space-use relationship. Taksim Square has been home to many cultural, historical and political experiences since it was designated as a public space. The identity of the square has also gained a meaning within this framework. First, the perception of identity of Taksim Square is emphasized. Verbal interviews with the users of the field were effective in the formation of the square identity. In order to understand the impact of perception and use practices on identity, the views of individuals on the types of use recorded in their memory were taken as a priority in the interviews. Afterwards, the opinions about the identity of the square were asked to be conveyed and the effect of these usage types encoded in their memories was examined. As a result of the interviews, the importance of the relationship between public space identity and usage practices emerged. It is discussed on the basis of urban identity problems shaped within the framework of public space and square usage practices in today's Taksim Square.