Journal Article

Analysis of neighborhood identity and socio-spatial relations with typo-morphogical analysis and spatial intelligence: A case study of Zile historic city

Yolcu, Merve Özkaynak

2026

Overview

In historic cities, which are important components of urban identity and a significant part of urban heritage, new residential areas are rapidly developing as population growth occurs. This phenomenon creates numerous problems for fragile historic cities. This study proposes an approach that combines changes in typo-morphological parameters in historic urban areas and new development areas with a spatial syntax methodology. This study aims to reveal the changes in social relations between historical neighborhoods and other neighborhoods, and to offer design strategies for the continuity of urban identity for these neighborhoods. This paper also aims to contribute to research on typographic morphology using spatial syntax as a method. Focusing on the neighborhoods of Zile in Türkiye, this study employs the method of examining typographic morphology parameters and spatial syntax metrics. For this purpose, a multivariate statistical analysis was performed on typo-morphological data. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed six clusters with similar characteristics. The metrics of the Space Syntax Method (SSA) were used to analyze the relationship between spatial integration, accessibility, and social structure. These results overlaid with Point of Interest (POI) data for comparison with social data. The findings reveal the spatial factors of multi-layered cities and provide insight into the relationship between the physical layout and social structure of neighborhoods. This study offers guidance in demonstrating the potential of spatial syntax theory in neighborhood-specific contexts and socio-spatial relationships.

• Publisher: Elsevier B.V
• Subject: Connectivity graph / Historic urban areas / Space syntax analysis / Urban identity / Urban morphology / Visibility map