'Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Architecture'
Abstract
The major intention of this thesis is to introduce a new concept –urban fissure- to discuss the positionality and spatiality of city walls within contemporary urban milieus. Besides being an architectural defense structure, covering a considerable amount of land in cities, city walls have always been an important urban component. Land Walls has been a unique example of city walls that have existed for 15 centuries as an untouchable object in a metropolitan city like İstanbul. After the Ottoman Conquest in 1453, Land Walls lost their major defense purpose, and became a part of civilian life. From that time until the mid-20th century they loosely marked the west edge of the city. However, in the second half of the 20th century, with the enormous expansion of İstanbul, Land Walls have remained in the middle of the city. Throughout their history, they have produced a diversity of spaces, uses and traditions. Their unusual structure, and their complex spatiality including spaces adjoining and around them have generated several challenging processes. They have raised uncertainties and sometimes problems not only in spatial terms, but also in regulations and implementations. In this respect, regarding their current positionality and spatiality, this thesis argues Land Walls and walled zone as an urban fissure which is supposed to make them legible within the urban milieu of İstanbul.Ph.D. - Doctoral Progra
