Historical cities have developed and grown in the historical process as they are the centres of the settlements. The values defined as cultural and natural assets within these fields have attracted the attention of societies in every period. These traditional historical urban areas, which are not only because of their cultural heritage, but also because of their urban structures, are under the risk of losing their traditional values if the related measures are not taken and their continuity is not ensured. Historical cities can be defined as `cultural heritage areas` where societies gathered from past to present, lose their charms due to social and economic factors in time and their place in social memory is weakened. In general, the efforts to protect these areas within the city centres and to reintroduce them to the city and the citizens are important in terms of the transfer of the urban identity from the past to the next generations and the sustainability of the city. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of the conservation and renovation schemes for the historical cities. A literature review was undertaken to discover the importance of restoration and conservation works which was carried out within in the several walkable cities of Europe. With this perspective Nicosia Old City, which has survived to the present day with its historical texture and as a capital city`s current situation was examined. This research was underlined that Nicosia old city needs to be sustained and maintained with new functions together with correct restoration initiatives in order to conserve local heritage.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Historic cities, Sustainability, Urban design, Nicosia Old City
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