Measuring the Sustainability level of Samanbahce Residential Quarter in Nicosia-Northern Cyprus for Its Sustainable Revitalization

Abstract

Traditional historic urban quarters are unique place in terms of their cultural, architectural an historic values but at the same time they have a high level of architectural , urban, social and environmental decay with high level of marginalized population, rise in the aged population with low income, abandonment of buildings by the economically strong sectors of society, and the loss of traditional economic activities. The urbanization initially and the division of Nicosia subsequently resulted in a downward spiral for the Walled city of Nicosia - the capital city of Cyprus, creating a decline in population, higher concentration of social problems, loss of commerical activities and employment, inappropriate uses and fluxes of migrants encouraged by the low rents, ,high numbe of vacants properties, absence of private investement and deterioration of its enviromental quality.