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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2010

Derya Oktay and Robert W. Marans

This study aims to identify key indicators affecting the residents' perception of overall quality of urban life in the Walled City of Famagusta, the historic core of the city

Abstract

This study aims to identify key indicators affecting the residents' perception of overall quality of urban life in the Walled City of Famagusta, the historic core of the city, which reflects a decaying socio-spatial quality. The paper first presents a brief overview of the research methodology and then analyses the results from a household survey carried out in the Walled City, in order to provide a sheer understanding of people's feelings about their neighbourhood environment and the overall urban quality of life in case of implementation of a possible regeneration scheme for the area. The research contributes some empirical evidence to verify the claimed benefits and shortcomings in terms of effects of neighbourhood satisfaction, sense of community, sense of belonging, neighbourhood attributes, use/evaluation of cultural and recreational opportunities and safety on the overall quality of urban life of the residents, as well as to identify the predictors of the neighbourhood satisfaction.

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2019

Aysu Arsoy and Hacer Basarir

Varosha (Famagusta) was one of the richest districts, and best known holiday destination of the region during the 1970's. However, due to the war in 1974, half of Varosha was…

Abstract

Varosha (Famagusta) was one of the richest districts, and best known holiday destination of the region during the 1970's. However, due to the war in 1974, half of Varosha was closed to residents and the other half became a bordered city. The demographic structure, in addition to the physical and cultural structures of the city was therefore completely altered. Postwar displacement and re-settlement in Varosha is the focus of this paper.

The main aim is to discuss the lifestyle in Varosha from a cultural perspective using memories from former and current inhabitants. To achieve this, a set of semi-structured interviews were conducted in which two main questions were posed during the interviews: 1) What was the lifestyle in Varosha before 1974? and 2) What was the lifestyle in Varosha after 1974? these questions were intended to shed some light on the post-war landscape of Varosha.

For this purpose, researchers followed a chronological order: life before 1974; interview group a, six Greek Cypriots who were former inhabitants of Varosha. Life after 1974: interview group B, six turkish Cypriots who were displaced and settled in Varosha; and interview group C, six immigrant/settlers turks from turkey, who volunteered to move to Cyprus and settle in Varosha. The snowball method has been used to identify former and current residents of Varosha. The findings are based on interviews with the former, displaced and re-settled Varoshian residents.

The interviews revealed how displacement affected the city and the former and current inhabitants. Analysis of the findings were categorized under three headings: 1) displacement from/to Varosha; 2) belonging and identity; 3) life style and culture of each group. The categorization is used to describe how displacement affected the city and its citizens. In other words, this research targets to describe pre- and post-war life (styles) in Varosha.

Details

Open House International, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 November 2021

Kaveh Jafari, Ali Özduran and Mehmet Bahri Saydam

The study sought to examine the impacts of COVID-19 on tourism from the stakeholder perspective in the case of Famagusta town in Northern Cyprus.

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Abstract

Purpose

The study sought to examine the impacts of COVID-19 on tourism from the stakeholder perspective in the case of Famagusta town in Northern Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

Via a qualitative research approach, data are collected through face-to-face interviews from direct and indirect tourism stakeholders operating in Famagusta. A judgmental sampling strategy was employed to collect data from tourism stakeholders on the impacts of COVID-19 on tourism. Descriptive data analysis is engaged to report the results.

Findings

Results of the study showed that the novel coronavirus has hampered the tourism sector in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus. Indeed, as the globe suffered its effects in terms of economic gains, business and business closure. It has been the same with Famagusta, while a few private sectors positively gained (Internet and Technology), all other tourism-reliant sectors such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and the transport sector massively suffered as a result of the global lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

Given the ever-changing state of knowledge and scarcity of literature, the current study seeks to summarize what has been learned from previous crises and back it up with qualitative research including senior industry stakeholders.

Details

International Hospitality Review, vol. 37 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2516-8142

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2017

Hourakhsh Ahmad Nia, Resmiye Alpar Atun and Rokhsaneh Rahbarianyazd

This study assesses changing aesthetic values and their characteristics in urban environments based on human perception. With this in mind, a model for assessing the aesthetic…

Abstract

This study assesses changing aesthetic values and their characteristics in urban environments based on human perception. With this in mind, a model for assessing the aesthetic values of the urban environment based on the three steps of human cognition has been developed to elaborate the user's perception in different urban environments.

The results of the survey confirm that by changing urban morphology the aesthetic perception of the environment also changes. The finding of this research opens up a new window for urban planners to assess the aesthetic effects of the elements of urban spatial configuration for future urban development.

Details

Open House International, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 April 2022

Mehmet Bahri Saydam, Ali Ozturen and Cemal Kilic

Heritage tourism is vital to the preservation of cultural resources and economic growth and tourism can be utilized to protect and promote cultural heritage. However, if cultural…

Abstract

Purpose

Heritage tourism is vital to the preservation of cultural resources and economic growth and tourism can be utilized to protect and promote cultural heritage. However, if cultural heritage tourism is not developed following sustainable development principles, it can negatively affect a region's cultural legacy. This study aims to analyze expert opinion on sustainable heritage tourism in the geographical setting of North Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative method was used to conduct in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews with seven heritage tourism experts in North Cyprus. Theme analysis of the transcripts was undertaken and triangulated utilizing the automated content and thematic analysis capabilities of the Leximancer software program.

Findings

The analysis revealed six themes in descriptions of sustainable cultural heritage tourism provided by the experts. These are “history”; “promotion”; “institutions”; “protection and maintenance”; “museums” and “technology”.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to analyze the key aspects affecting the long-term viability of cultural heritage tourism in North Cyprus.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2019

Mahboubeh Rakhshanifar and Norsidah Ujang

In the context of asian cities, streets define the diversity and vibrancy of public spaces despite facing a constant threat of losing the spaces to motorized vehicles and…

Abstract

In the context of asian cities, streets define the diversity and vibrancy of public spaces despite facing a constant threat of losing the spaces to motorized vehicles and large-scale development. The social life of streets is eroded as a result of new developments that are exclusive and privately regulated. This paper discusses the attributes that influence the sociability of shopping streets based on the street users' assessment. A questionnaire survey was conducted involving 332 respondents in four main shopping streets in the Kuala lumpur city centre, Malaysia. Identification of the sociability attributes using analytic network Process (anP) was applied to determine the sociability factors based on the order of priority. The study found that users tended to participate in social activities while visiting the shopping streets. However, their social behaviour indicated that the actual engagement in optional and informal activities was not regular. Perceived safety and spatial accessibility mainly influenced the users' level of engagement with the streets' activities. To retain streets as inclusive social spaces, urban designers could prioritise mixed-land uses, positive pedestrian experience and good accessibility in boosting sociability of urban places.

Details

Open House International, vol. 44 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2019

Miray Gür, Yavuz Taneli and Neslihan Dostoşlu

This study aims to measure the quality of life (QoL), using the proposed conceptual model within the context of the interactions between human behaviour and the environment. It…

Abstract

This study aims to measure the quality of life (QoL), using the proposed conceptual model within the context of the interactions between human behaviour and the environment. It aims to research the effect of the control of residents on QoL, and the findings constitute the basis for a discussion on the effects of environmental policies on QoL. Doğanbey in Bursa, which is in close proximity to the Khans (Inns) District, is selected as the study area because it represents an urban transformation implemented according to administrative decisions. QoL measurements in the research reflect people's evaluations, their adaptation to post-transformation environment and the implementation process by means of questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The findings indicate that lack of resident control has an adverse effect on satisfaction and QoL, and that an urban transformation conducted without user participation will fail. In conclusion, the study aims to contribute to decision-making mechanisms within the framework of residents' influence to ensure increased QoL. The intention of the authors is to promote the usage of QoL scale developed for other housing or transformation areas by modifying the questions according to varying geographies and social groups.

Details

Open House International, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2023

Mine Haktanir and Ezgi Gullu

This study aims to develop a better understanding of the key determinants of repetitive visits to coffee shops. The paper intends to answer a simple, yet crucial question, “Why do…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a better understanding of the key determinants of repetitive visits to coffee shops. The paper intends to answer a simple, yet crucial question, “Why do people go to coffee shops repeatedly, and frequently?”.

Design/methodology/approach

Two coffee shops in North Cyprus are used as case studies in order to provide in-depth information about the perceptions and experiences of coffee shop clients, managers and staff. An inductive methodological structure together with qualitative data collection methods provided a rich, exploratory setting.

Findings

A social network of customers and employees, communication with familiar people and sharing a homely feel are found to be the key determinants of clients' attachment. Comfort, security, sense of belonging and the convenience of the place also play a pivotal role. The traditional habit of coffee drinking is a prime motivation for people of this area to meet up and socialize.

Practical implications

Managers can optimize operational results as it is evident that social and cultural elements are the key drivers for repeat customer visits, while regional planners can set society-driven policies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by using a holistic approach to understand the factors which influence revisit intentions of coffee shop clients in relation to the third place, the place attachment and the service space concepts. The research approach employed is also significant as it enabled the presentation of the real-life dynamics and its relation to the literature.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2021

Murude Ertac and Erel Cankan

This study aims to explore the strategies adopted by tourism and hospitality businesses in North Cyprus during the Covid-19 pandemic. The analysis also points to sustainable…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the strategies adopted by tourism and hospitality businesses in North Cyprus during the Covid-19 pandemic. The analysis also points to sustainable tourism approaches that could be adopted in the post-Covid-19 period.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methodology was used to collect detailed information from 20 tourism and hospitality business owners operating in North Cyprus.

Findings

The findings illustrate the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on tourism and hospitality operations in North Cyprus and reveal how businesses have coped and responded to these challenges. Some operators have been able to adapt and their actions provide indicators for a sustainable tourism business model in North Cyprus.

Practical implications

The study draws on the experiences of business owners and reveals how they have sought to sustain their operations during the uncertain conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Social implications

The findings of this study could assist government agencies in the construction of sector-specific support programs for tourism and hospitality businesses.

Originality/value

The adverse effect of Covid-19 on tourism and hospitality operations is a current topic that needs to be analyzed. This study draws on the experiences of practitioners to analyze the competitive strategies used by tourism and hospitality businesses in North Cyprus.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2013

Tapan Kumar Dhar, Md. Sk. Maruf Hossain and Khan Rubayet Rahaman

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance and significance of design strategies to enhance flexibility as an in-built design concept of residential building in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance and significance of design strategies to enhance flexibility as an in-built design concept of residential building in developing countries. The study considers potential directions of building design in developing countries to ensure maximum benefits of resource utilization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study approaches using the qualitative data collection method, mostly based on interviews of local residents. Layouts of residential buildings that have been renovated for several reasons, such as the changes in family size over the last 30 years, have been studied. The concept of zone and margin, based on the theoretical framework developed by Dutch architect, John Habraken, is compared and tested in residential buildings in the city of Khulna.

Findings

This paper shows that people change floor layouts of their buildings over time for different reasons; for example, 29 percent of people change plans in order to accommodate more people, 19 percent in order to initiate new businesses, and 13 percent due to change in family structure. However, these facts impose an excessive monetary burden on the owners to re-adjust layouts even though the building does not have the provision to do so. The paper also reveals that people would welcome new plans for future readjustment during the design and construction phases instead of renovation phases.

Originality/value

This paper highlights flexibility and attempts to justify the possibilities to practice in developing countries. As an inherent design strategy of sustainable development, the concept would consider unknown future changes of building layouts and structures. It would consider the minimum reconstruction, or renovation, costs associated for future adaptation.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

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