Atıf İçin Kopyala
KULÖZÜ N.
Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences, cilt.13, sa.2, ss.46-63, 2021 (Hakemli Dergi)
Özet
Aims:
This study aims to explore the urban identity of Erzurum, which has a rich cultural and
historical background dates back to 4000 BC, from the perspective of inhabitants. Additionally, the
differences
between perceptions about urban identity elements of various inhabitants' groups,
categorized in terms of age, gender, education level, being a native of Erzurum, and length of
residence in Erzurum, are determined.
Study
Design
:
The research was designed a
s a case
-
study and pursued an exploratory research
approach.
Place and Duration of Study:
The study has been conducted in Erzurum, located in Eastern
Anatolia, Turkey. Interviews have been conducted with 268 inhabitants of Erzurum between May
and June 2015
.
Methodology:
Within the context of the study, Erzurum's urban identity is determined through its
elements that are commonly classified as topographical properties, climate and flora, elements at
settlement level, urban equipment, symbolic elements, soci
o
-
cultural properties, and socio
-
economical properties. The present study has been designed as an exploratory case study in
which qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques have been used.
Results:
This study, through answering its research qu
estions, reveals that
, first, environmental
identity
elements have more significance than
social identity elements; second, natural environmental elements as Palandöken Mountain and cold climate, and artificial identity elements
as Cumhuriyet Street and th
e Twin Minaret Madrasa are the most significant identity elements;
and, third, differences between the respondents’ age and education helps to explain the
differences between their perception on urban identity elements, in the case of Erzurum.
Conclusion:
This exploratory case study, departing from the idea that urban identity is a social
and cultural phenomenon and unique for each individual and society, explored the urban identity
elements from the perspective of the inhabitants of Erzurum. In the end, t
he importance of
determining urban identity based on inter
-
subjectively built consensus to protect the uniqueness of
the cities has been highlighted.