An analytical methodology for revitalization strategies in historic urban quarters: a case study of the Walled City of Nicosia, North Cyprus

Abstract

Historic urban quarters are special places not only due to the cultural heritage that they house, but also due to their urban pattern. Many such quarters are in a danger of losing their traditional character if relevant measures are not put in place to ensure the continuity of this character. This paper proposes a new method—based on SWOT analysis—for identifying and assessing the key criteria of historic urban quarters; from its findings it proceeds to derive an appropriate revitalization strategy. In order to illustrate the implications of the proposed methodology, to check its validity, and to see how it empirically works, the paper uses the Walled City of Nicosia in Cyprus as a case study.