Assessing the Spatial Impacts of Urban Memory Transformation: A Multi-Criteria Evaluation Framework for Ortamahalle Historic District, Trabzon, Türkiye

Abstract

Urban memory constitutes a fundamental component of cultural identity, spatial continuity, and the sustainability of historic urban environments. However, rapid urbanization processes, socio-economic transformations, tourism-oriented development, and demographic changes increasingly threaten the continuity of urban memory in historic settlements. This study investigates the spatial consequences of urban memory transformation in Ortamahalle, a protected historical neighborhood located in Akçaabat District of Trabzon, Türkiye. Unlike conventional studies relying solely on mental mapping and questionnaire-based approaches, this research develops a multi-criteria urban memory assessment framework integrating historical continuity, socio-cultural dynamics, economic sustainability, and physical environmental characteristics. The methodology employs a hierarchical scoring matrix based on four principal components and twenty-five sub-indicators to evaluate urban memory persistence and loss across four spatial zones identified within the study area. Historical documentation, field surveys, spatial observations, conservation reports, and urban morphology analyses were incorporated into the assessment process. Results indicate that memory loss intensity differs significantly among spatial zones. Zone B exhibited the highest degree of urban memory deterioration with a preservation score of only 62/100, primarily due to reduced pedestrian circulation, weakened social interaction networks, and functional transformation. Conversely, Zone A maintained the strongest urban memory continuity with a score of 78/100 owing to intensive social activities, tourism functions, and preserved urban morphology. The findings demonstrate that pedestrian accessibility, cultural interaction intensity, and adaptive reuse strategies significantly influence urban memory sustainability. The study proposes a transferable urban memory evaluation framework applicable to historic urban conservation and sustainable heritage management policies.