Determining Urban Identity of a Historical City from Inhabitants’ Perspective: Erzurum, a Case from Asia Minor

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.