A Model for Transforming Contested Spaces into Successful Places in Placemaking Process: Case Study: Ledra Street Crossing Point in Nicosia, Cyprus

Nicosia, the divided capital city of Cyprus, has been a subject of interest in political, social, cultural, and academic spheres since its 1974 division. The first crossing point on the buffer zone opened in 2003, and nine additional crossing points have opened in the past 15 years. The researcher aimed to show how the placemaking process can enhance the successful transformation of contested spaces, influenced by the special situation of the Nicosia Buffer Zone. The TCS_SP Model, developed within the scope of the thesis, provides a systematic approach to understanding and addressing the underlying problems of contested spaces and ultimately helps in the successful transformation of these spaces. The model has three main elements: the case study area, stakeholders in the contested space, and executive stakeholders. In addition, the model is divided into four stages: determination, evaluation criteria, data collection and development process. The first stage involves identifying the area and stakeholders in the contested spaces. The second stage investigates the evaluation criteria related to the experience and potential of the contested spaces and the successful criteria of the space creation process. The third stage sets up various tasks to guide the application of the evaluation criteria. The data collection method and evaluation method were determined as a questionnaire and a statistical package for social sciences. In the last stage, the results obtained provide the basis for the formation of proposals for the development of the case with the help of researchers and executive stakeholders. The study highlights that sociability is the most important key attribute in the successful transformation of the Ledra Street Crossing Point, along with high levels of social networks, shared space use, multifunctionality, accessibility level, imageability, and legibility. The researcher's input and the determinations of NGOs illuminate the outcomes and recommendations for the successful transformation of the Ledra Street Crossing Point and the surrounding area.