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

Includes bibliography (sheets 97-102)

ABSTRACT
The Mediterranean has an environment that offers overlapping heritage, as well as
representing as the beginning and merging stage of world civilizations. It is not just a
territory linked by a common sea, but it is also where continents meet. In this context,
almost all historical Mediterranean towns have inhabited more than one civilization
and have architectural and urban traces of several styles. With the twentieth century,
the awareness of conservation for the historic artefacts evolved into a building-scale,
then an urban, and finally a holistic understanding. These conservation methods were
handled by adapting each towns and country's unique regulations and practices.
Although a common foundation has been formed through the establishment of
international conservation strategies, Walled City, Nicosia's process to architectural
and urban conservation is relatively domestic and inadequate. This town, which should
be considered as one of the notable historical Mediterranean towns, is compared to
three other Mediterranean towns (Beirut, Valletta and Palmanova) with their features
and discussed in terms of conservation approaches. Architectural and urban features
are emphasized in particular, and it is anticipated that by doing so, a conservation
scheme can be created so that all historical Mediterranean cities can benefit from urban
conservation approaches. It is suggested that in the conservation of historical city
centres, not only the history and characteristics of that city, but also international
conservation approaches should be integrated and evaluated for each historic city in
this region.
Keywords: Historic City Centre, Mediterranean Towns, Nicosia, Urban
Conservation, Walled City