Decoding the socio-spatial mosaic of public space: an in-depth exploration of Taksim Square

Abstract

This research investigates the evolution of public spaces from the 1940s to today, emphasizing the social and spatial transformations at Taksim Republic Square. Utilizing argumentative and exploratory methods, the study conducts a detailed process analysis using various sources, including historical documents, photographs, and maps. This study's innovation is the development of a new methodology that examines the social and spatial structure of Taksim Republic Square in ten-year intervals. Typo-morphological analysis provided spatial insights, while photographic analysis offered social perspectives. This methodology enabled both socio-spatial layers and thematic examinations. The results demonstrate how global events have directly and indirectly influenced the urban space and social life of Taksim Republic Square. It is observed that public life perpetually recreates itself through experiences. This study applies to fields such as urban planning, urban design, urban morphology, social anthropology, and social geography.