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In this paper, we use the question “what is the true nature of traditional street networks in Turkish cities?” to test different quantitative methods of urban morphological analysis. Traditional Turkish street networks are characterized by discriminant functions of several space-syntax-related indices, as well as by image-analysis and graph-theoretical indices. A set of space-syntactic indices is found to be powerful enough to distinguish the traditional street network among others, particularly axial ringiness, implying that the formation of large blocks is a typical feature. The relative abundance of closed-end edges is found to be another important feature of the traditional street network.

This paper examines historic land use changes to the fringe-belt zones of Istanbul, and in particular looks at the transformation of areas such as these into CBDs due to the effects of urban growth development cycles. The study is based on detailed research into the selected case study areas regarding changes in their land-uses within the overall urban development pattern of Istanbul. Once in the periphery, many of these areas now reflect CBD characteristics as a result of their development cycles. Urban fringe-belts are the urban peripheries of earlier periods that have become enveloped by the city through urban growth, and over time these areas adjust to the ever changing dynamics of urban land-use. In contrast to the dense urban texture of previously developed regions of the city, fringe-belts have a more loose texture and frequently retain the potential for the creation of public spaces. These include the open green areas, institutional areas, and industrial heritage sites that have connections with urban identity, and which are therefore essential for urban memory. Fringe-belts are both heritage areas and ecological corridors that create buffer zones to protect the natural landscape from urban sprawl. However, due to the requirements of rapid population

Urban form is studied in a variety of disciplines in Turkey, but it has recently become central to urban studies. Histories of individual towns have usually been preoccupied with political, socio-economic and cultural issues. Archaeological excavations have made an important contribution to the reconstruction and analysis of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Turkish historic cities located in Anatolia and Thrace. Urban form is often considered as a container of socio-economic processes and as a marker in the search for cultural identity in Turkey. Architectural studies have focused mainly on important buildings and housing areas. The increasingly strong morphological perspective in urban studies is part of a reaction to the loss of historical fabric associated with large-scale urban renewal schemes. Urban morphological research in Turkey is reviewed here mainly since the 1970s. A number of disciplines are covered, particularly architecture, urban planning, urban design, geography and urban history. The historical evolution of Anatolian civilizations and its impact on settlement forms is outlined. Attention is drawn in particular to the contribution of urban planning and urban history to urban morphological research.

Istanbul's old core has been influenced by several cultures: Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Turkish. This reflects the city's position at the meeting point of the continents of Europe and Asia. The paper examines the characteristics of the morphological periods associated with each cultural influence. In addition to assessing the morphological history of the core of the city by using space syntax, the city's social history is explored, especially in terms of the city's ceremonial and symbolic nature.