Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Department of Architecture

Includes bibliography (sheets 205-215)

ABSTRACT
Port cities are more than just coastal cities. If port cities are in the Eastern
Mediterranean region, then they are more than just port cities. Coming from a similar
past as a part of common geography, Eastern Mediterranean port cities have unique
developments resulting in unique port city identities. Particularly by the 19th century
developments, the port cities in the region have undergone more or less similar
processes affecting their spatial and social patterns.
The focus of this research is to discuss the outcomes of this process regarding the
spatial and social similarities and differences. Along with the socio-economic and
socio-cultural parameters affecting the development of port cities, the overview of the
specific cities helps to propose an analytical model for the evaluation of port cities.
Therefore, this study focuses on four port cities in Eastern Mediterranean, which had
been ruled by Ottoman Empire during the 19th century. Within the framework of
Eastern Mediterranean port cities taking Cyprus to the centre, this study applies the
analytical model on Famagusta, Limassol, Mersin and Beirut port cities to reveal the
socio-spatial pattern characteristics and assemble an integrated picture of Eastern
Mediterranean port cities.
The overview of these port cities designates three basic types of spatial development:
linear development, radial development and network development. The proposed
analytical model comprises the prominent components of these development patterns
which are specified as waterfront, main urban square and major commercial street.
These components are assumed to be the key public spaces of the socio-spatial pattern
associated with the port city identity. In this regard, the spatial patterns are initially
analysed through Space Syntax methodology in reference to 19th century and present
day layouts, and the social patterns are analysed through the key public spaces
considering their present layouts.
The case study cities are analysed individually and discussed comparatively. The
results indicate that all cities have their own limitations affecting the spatial pattern
development which reflects on the social pattern in various ways. The outcomes of the
research also imply that the cities with similar development patterns present similar
features of the key public spaces. However, it is also among the findings that the social
pattern of these spaces affects the imageability of the cities which is associated with
the unique identity of the port cities.