A sustainability assessment of quality of life in a traditional settlement pattern: The case of Kemaliye, Turkey

Abstract

Worldwide, especially in societies with higher education levels, traditional settlements are important components of cultural heritage in terms of sustainability. However, the recent wave of urbanisation that has been experienced in Turkey has placed significant pressure on traditional structures. The District of Kemaliye, which has largely preserved its traditional texture for various reasons, is a small town in the Erzincan Province of Turkey. The aim of this study is to determine the quality of life of the traditional settlement pattern of Kemaliye to contribute to its ecological, spatial and socio-cultural sustainability. A public opinion survey was carried out with the aim of identifying the public’s needs and demands and its socio-cultural characteristics. The survey also aimed to determine the quality of urban life in Kemaliye. Multidimensional statistical techniques were used to identify the most important environmental, socio-cultural, infrastructural and regional factors that affected the public’s views of quality of urban life in Kemaliye. Based on these findings, suggestions were formulated for the efficient use of resources in urban redevelopment efforts and to provide a basis for the new settlement plans that are projected to be carried out for the city centre of Kemaliye and its vicinity.