TR
EN
Cultural Heritage Perception, Awareness and Pedestrian Density: A Case Study in İzmir
Abstract
Inspired by the well-known Turkish proverb "Even if we don't visit or see it, that village is still ours", this study explored whether historical buildings in frequently visited and walkable areas are more widely recognized, or if it is possible to identify, appreciate, and preserve historically significant buildings without seeing or passing by them. Specifically, this study investigates the relationship between pedestrian density and cultural heritage perception and awareness in Izmir’s historic district. Surveys were conducted with 138 residents to evaluate their knowledge of historical buildings from the Early Republican Period (or their cultural heritage awareness) and how they perceived the aesthetic quality of both the buildings and the streets where they are located. As a walkability indicator, pedestrian density around selected historical buildings was measured via objective and subjective methods. Unobtrusive observations, such as counting the number of people at specific locations during designated time intervals were used to evaluate the actual behaviour (objective measure). Additionally, surveys were employed to understand people's tendency to walk through the streets where these buildings are located (reported behaviour / subjective measure). The results show that streets surrounding well-preserved and aesthetically prominent buildings are preferred more often by pedestrians; or vice a versa. Results also confirm that increased pedestrian density is associated with a greater awareness of cultural heritage sites. Furthermore, aesthetically appealing streets are considered more suitable for recreational walking. These findings highlight the value of walkable spaces in urban planning and cultural heritage conservation, as pedestrian experience can boost awareness of cultural heritage.
Keywords
Ethical Statement
In this research, the necessary permissions were obtained from the relevant participants (individuals, institutions and organizations) during the survey, in-depth interview, focus group interview, observation or experiment.
References
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- Barrera-Fernández, D., & Hernández-Escampa, M. (2019). Walkability in the historic city of Oaxaca, Mexico. Event Management, 23(4), 573–598. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599519X15506259855689
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Urban Aesthetics, Urban Design, Architectural Heritage and Conservation
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
May 20, 2025
Submission Date
October 12, 2024
Acceptance Date
February 25, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2025 Volume: 4 Number: 1
APA
Uysal Üner, A., & Cubukcu, E. (2025). Cultural Heritage Perception, Awareness and Pedestrian Density: A Case Study in İzmir. DEPARCH Journal of Design Planning and Aesthetics Research, 4(1), 21-43. https://doi.org/10.63673/DepArch.2025.38
AMA
1.Uysal Üner A, Cubukcu E. Cultural Heritage Perception, Awareness and Pedestrian Density: A Case Study in İzmir. DEPARCH. 2025;4(1):21-43. doi:10.63673/DepArch.2025.38
Chicago
Uysal Üner, Ayça, and Ebru Cubukcu. 2025. “Cultural Heritage Perception, Awareness and Pedestrian Density: A Case Study in İzmir”. DEPARCH Journal of Design Planning and Aesthetics Research 4 (1): 21-43. https://doi.org/10.63673/DepArch.2025.38.
EndNote
Uysal Üner A, Cubukcu E (May 1, 2025) Cultural Heritage Perception, Awareness and Pedestrian Density: A Case Study in İzmir. DEPARCH Journal of Design Planning and Aesthetics Research 4 1 21–43.
IEEE
[1]A. Uysal Üner and E. Cubukcu, “Cultural Heritage Perception, Awareness and Pedestrian Density: A Case Study in İzmir”, DEPARCH, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 21–43, May 2025, doi: 10.63673/DepArch.2025.38.
ISNAD
Uysal Üner, Ayça - Cubukcu, Ebru. “Cultural Heritage Perception, Awareness and Pedestrian Density: A Case Study in İzmir”. DEPARCH Journal of Design Planning and Aesthetics Research 4/1 (May 1, 2025): 21-43. https://doi.org/10.63673/DepArch.2025.38.
JAMA
1.Uysal Üner A, Cubukcu E. Cultural Heritage Perception, Awareness and Pedestrian Density: A Case Study in İzmir. DEPARCH. 2025;4:21–43.
MLA
Uysal Üner, Ayça, and Ebru Cubukcu. “Cultural Heritage Perception, Awareness and Pedestrian Density: A Case Study in İzmir”. DEPARCH Journal of Design Planning and Aesthetics Research, vol. 4, no. 1, May 2025, pp. 21-43, doi:10.63673/DepArch.2025.38.
Vancouver
1.Ayça Uysal Üner, Ebru Cubukcu. Cultural Heritage Perception, Awareness and Pedestrian Density: A Case Study in İzmir. DEPARCH. 2025 May 1;4(1):21-43. doi:10.63673/DepArch.2025.38
