SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF CITTASLOW CITY SEFERIHISAR WITH REGARD TO THE QUALITY OF URBAN LIFE

Aim: Seferihisar was the first place to achieve Cittaslow status in Turkey. The main component of Seferihisar’s Cittaslow status is the popular Sigacik settlement. The aim of the study was firstly to evaluate the quality of urban life in Sigacik and then suggest ways of how to improve it. Materials and Methods:  As a port, the Sigacik settlement, which lies approximately 5 km from the centre of Seferihisar, provides a door for the latter to the outside world. Sigacik was chosen as the study area and the quality of urban life was analysed based upon SWOT analysis and spatial analysis. The SWOT analysis was carried out, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were determined, and how the built environment was perceived and evaluated by 10 experts from Ege University was discussed. For each analysis title, 10 evaluation criteria were determined, the importance level was designated using the “Ranking Technique” and the priority values were calculated. Using the same expert group, the research area was considered according to the effects of built environment, green structures, urban furniture and the positive/negative impact factors on outdoor life and were scored from 1 to 5 and average scores were calculated. Afterwards, the study area was evaluated from the aspects of “Perceptual”, "Sensory "and "Vital" features and the 7-point Likert scale was used. Results: Sigacik was found to be extremely peaceful and relaxing, quite unique and historical, impressive and attractive. It was found that people in general spend their daily life in Sigacik’s open spaces and use them densely. Conclusion: Proposals were put forward to build on the opportunities and strengths and to eliminate the weaknesses and threats in order to improve the traditional pattern of Sigacik, increase the quality of urban life and maintain the sustainability of Sigacik’s outdoor life.