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The Importance of Pedestrianization in Cities- Assessment of Pedestrianized Streets in Nicosia Walled City

Especially in the old historical cities, creating traffic-free areas/streets has become an important approach in recent years. One of these cities which is the last divided capital city and one of the most important cultural heritages of the Mediterranean region in the island of Cyprus is the Nicosia Walled City. Within this study, the existing situation of pedestrianized areas in the Walled City in north Nicosia were examined. In literature review part, the importance of pedestrianization, reasons and benefits of pedestrianization, examples of pedestrianized areas/streets around the world are reviewed. The pedestrianized streets/areas in the north Nicosia Walled City were examined on-site, photographed, their current status was revealed and evaluated according to determined criteria. Each street/area was evaluated in terms of functions in the street, mobility, accessibility by car or public transportation, social/community activities, economic development and quality of physical environment. When the old city of Nicosia is analyzed in the context of these criteria, it has been observed that the pedestrianized areas have an increasing social, cultural and economical contribution to the city. In addition to its historical features, the places and activities that attract the people especially young population and tourists, bring life to this region. In terms of environmental aspects, visual incompatibilities were observed even in the streets where pedestrianization studies have been carried out recently. There are also problems about vehicle and pedestrian traffic that affect users. The study was completed by making suggestions at the end of the study.


Introduction
Cities grow over time and tends to develop in a contemporary sense. Central and/or local governments direct the investments of the people living in the city with the planning policies they produce. Accordingly, certain points of the city complete their development in a good or bad way. At this point, the regions that have completed their construction in the city to a large extent need to be overhauled in accordance with the conditions of the day in order to survive in a modern sense. Of course, such a regional planning works should be the responsibility of local governments. As cities grow, certain areas are formed as attraction points. While the density increases at these areas, they cannot fully perform their functions due to the density. At this point, if the necessary intervention is not made, these parts of the city may become uninhabitable after a while. This intervention should be carried out in such a way that certain regions of the city can be transformed to pedestrianized areas, taking into account the current situation and urban problems to be solved regarding public interest. Pedestrian streets generally have facilities for relaxing, entertaining among other activities. Landscape elements can be provided like trees and other vegetation. Water elements like pool fountains can be attractive and focus of activities. Street lighting and furnitures are also essential elements of pedestrianized streets. Such streets are streets designed to allow people to socialize, to walk safely. These streets should also be accessible to everyone. Especially in the old historical cities, creating traffic-free areas/streets has become an important approach in recent years. One of these cities is the Nicosia Walled City which is the last divided capital city and one of the most important cultural heritages of the Mediterranean region, located on the island of Cyprus. Within this study, the pedestrianized areas in the Walled City in North Nicosia will be examined. Following the literature review about pedestrianization, reasons and benefits of pedestrianization, examples of pedestrianized areas/streets around the world will be reviewed. Then research methodology will be explained and results will be discussed. At the end of the study, recommendations will be made regarding the results. Brambilla & Longo (2003) described pedestrian districts as a portion of the city where vehicular traffic is eliminated. This type of traffic-free zoning suits the physical conditions of historic central areas and has been adopted by many European cities. "Pedestrian streets", on the other hand, are the streets where traffic is not allowed, except emergency vehicles, service and delivery trucks which are often allowed during restricted hours. The "pedestrian street" term is used as synonymous of "pedestrian mall," which is first used in North America as a term describing traffic-free zones. Soni & Soni (2006) emphasized the rapid growth of transportation related problems like traffic congestion, accidents and injuries, pollution, noise etc. because of the the rapid increase in numbers of private vehicles in centers of the cities and old towns. They also indicated that the pedestrians are affected in a bad way. Such areas become places degraded to the extent that people do not want to visit anymore. As a solution and a most feasible way for upgrading mobility and environment, they suggest pedestrianization of these areas which they think a very effective, lowcost and sustainable solution.

Pedestrianization in Cities-Reasons-Benefits
In the publication by The Active Living Resource Center-European Commission (2004) has published a handbook explaining the ways for planning public spaces to eliminate vehicular traffic for pedestrian's free movement and new ways to create attractive and popular public areas in Europe. In handbook, the problems associated with increasing traffic and congestion in terms of environmental, social and economic costs for urban communities are illustrated in Figure 1.
© 2020 The Authors. Journal Compilation © 2020 European Center of Sustainable Development. Figure 1: the problems associated with increasing traffic and congestion in terms of environmental, social and economic costs for urban communities (European Commission 2004) After identifying the issues, the theory of 'traffic evaporation' is explored as a concept in the handbook. The idea is that, reducing road capacity for cars in congested city centres can represent a sustainable, efficient planning solution. Eight European cities (Kajaani, Finland; Wolverhampton, England; Vauxhall Cross, London, England; Nuremberg, Germany; Strasbourg, France; Gent, Belgium; Cambridge, England; Oxford, Englandare) examined as case studies and at the end of the handbook, guidelines are provided to assist politicians and planners working to develop more sustainable transport strategies for Europe's towns and cities.
Nieuwenhuijsen & Khreis (2016) described the plans for private car free cities and the effects of this on public health by reviewing the scientific literature. Zainol et al. (2016) made a research regarding the walkability and aimed to assess the physical qualities of pedestrianized areas in Georgetown-Penang which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site by using features related to walkability like pathway, zebra crossing, signage, personal safety, traffic flow and, aesthetics & amenities. They concluded after the research that if sufficient activities are not provided along the streets, built heritage features and possibility for physical walking does not encourage high walkability. ElFouly & Gawad Ghaly (2017) made a research, from another perspective, aiming to explore the perceived impact of pedestrianization of a street in a historical town from the local businesses perspectives whithin the Egyptian context. Parajuli & Pojani (2017), made personal interviews with local planners in two cities and examined barriers to the pedestrianization of city centres. According to the results of the research, the barriers were revealed as the Published by ECSDEV, Via dei Fiori, 34, 00172, Rome, Italy http://ecsdev.org opposition from residents, drivers and local shop owners/merchants, vehicular access for delivery, designing the alternative transport routes and parking problems, cost recovery, enforcement and institutional and political support. Souza & Mulaski (2018) proposed a project as an innovative approach for solving the urban problems of Curitiba, Capital State of Parana, which is a State in the south of Brazil. Their proposal was a system of integrated walkways-elevated sky walkways, pedestrian walkways, squares, parks, bus stations, offices and malls. They indicated that proposed project will minimize the traffic problems and improve the safety. They also emhasized that revitalization of the commercial area and preservation of the environmental will be possible with their economically feasible project. Yassin (2019), proposed an integrative literature between the pedestrianization and livability. She also analysed the examples of different approaches around the world and introduced an implementation approach to pedestrianization for achieving the objectives like; removing the barriers that might be faced during the implementation, tactics for re-attracting the people to the core of the city again, creating a sustainable environment, etc. Yassin indicated that by renovating the city core, the livability of the whole city could be restored and this causes a sustainable urban development thru the creative tactical urbanism. Brambilla & Longo (2003), offers guidelines and checklists for design of pedestrianized streets, created as traffic-free zones. Researchers explained the benefits of traffic free zones (Table 1).  (Brambilla & Longo, 2003) Attracting more people to the area This creates opportunities for socializing, shopping, having fun, do business, along with the increasing of financial sources for both the citizens and municipality.
Providing a sense of place Having the sense of place strengthens community identity and pride which improves relations in the community. It creates a place where all people can gather, while reducing feelings of alienation. Reducing noise and air pollution.
Traffic free zones will help to reduce noise and air pollution in the area.
Providing a safe, at the same time attractive environment A pedestrianized area as a public environment is very important in the community life and it is accessible to everyone in the society. Improving the environment visually All signs, lights, spaces, colors and textures can be designed for pedestrians rather than persons in the vehicles. Promoting the urban conservation This includes planting and landscaping, cultural conservation which includes preservation, building restoration and renewal.

Increase in property values
This results in the city's income from real estate taxes. Encouraging walking and providing lanes reserved for bicycles and public transportation vehicles.
This improves mobility and consequently helps saving energy.
Decrease in the number of accidents This helps for saving lives, reducing police work and judicial time.

Promoting citizen participation
Citizen participation in the planning and implementation phases of the pedestrianization process. This is an instrument for education of people and their engagement in urban life.

Study Area
Nicosia is the Capital city located in the Cyprus island (Fig. 2). Cyprus is the third biggest island after Sicily and Sardinia in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus is divided by the green line which is a UN-controlled area since 1974. Today, the city of Nicosia, as a last divided city in the world, maintains its two-zone character. However, it Published by ECSDEV, Via dei Fiori, 34, 00172, Rome, Italy http://ecsdev.org is possible to travel between two sides from three crossing points between the Greek side and the Turkish side (Nicosia Turkish Municipality, n.d.)

Figure 2: Cyprus map http://www.orangesmile.com/gezirehberi/kibris/ulke-haritalari.htm
Walled City is one of the most dynamic regions of Nicosia city besides being an historical city and a part of cultural heritage in Cyprus (Fig. 3). In commercial terms, many shops, butiques as well as many restaurants gather in this region. Apart from these, markets, furniture stores, banks, pastry shops, private clinics, offices, real estate agents, residences, boutique hotels and many other businesses can be counted as well.  In the last two decades, due to the increase in the number of university students in North Cyprus, the increase in commercial ties abroad, the intensive use of restaurants and cafes especially at noon and in the evening has made the region attractive. Some of the buildings in the area have been restored and turned into bars, cafes, library-cafes and restaurants preferred by young people and become places for young people to use. Thus, both young people will have places to spend time and at the same time they can breathe authentic air. It is a good development that the number of such places increases everyday. Various activities are held during the day as well as at night, including concerts, street music and dance performances, bicycle tours and open markets. There are also associations where young people can learn local folk dance and music. The allocation of some buildings to universities, especially in the fields of architecture and art, has been a great opportunity for young people to get educated in such an historical atmosphere and also an opportunity for them to use the city.

Methodology
In this study, pedestrianized areas in the Walled City of north Nicosia will be examined. Their current status of these areas/streets will be revealed with the help of visuals. Existing situation of the pedestrianized areas/streets are shown in yellow color in Figure 7, together with the historical landmarks in north Nicosia walled City. The criteria in Brambila and Longo's study (2003) "Pedestrian zones: a design guide" was adapted as a guide to be used in evaluating the pedestrian areas in the Walled City. "Functions" includes the use and accessibility of the street and services. "Mobility" as another criterion means the mobility of people, goods, vehicles of service and emergency, access for maintenance of the service system. "Accessibility by car or public transportation" includes, street patterns, bus lines, traffic signs, lighting, parking facilities. Resting and chatting, playing, cultural and educational events are included in "Social/community activities". "Economic development" means income producing functions, office and trade related activities, needs and requirements. As the last criteria, "Quality of physical environment" means preservation of historical assets, green areas, vegetation, fountains and other elements enhancing the visual quality of the streets. In Table 4-12 the evaluation of streets can be seen.   The street can be accessed via car parks accessible by individual vehicles (Fig.4). At the same time, a touristic train for public transportation, provides circulation by making loops in certain routes in the Walled City.
Social/com munity activities.
Social-cultural activities in other streets and squares to which the street is connected are also reflected in Arasta Street.

Economic
The region is development economically benefiting from the visit of tourists at any time of the day as it is very close to the "Lokmaci" barricade at the Southern Cyprus border. Even though the shops selling fabrics and souvenirs serve at certain times of the day, there is activity until late night in cafes and restaurants.
The historical hardware store on the street and the establishments that produce fresh Turkish coffee are also points of attraction. In some streets there is no development (Fig.  l8) .    activities such as kermess and concerts take place in the area.

Economic development
There are shops selling fabrics, souvenirs, cafes and restaurants

Quality of physical environment
The buildings around the square need maintenance and repair. Shaded areas for leisure time have been created by existing trees.

Mobility
The continuity of the Pedestrian Street is interrupted by one-way car traffic alongside the Kumarcılar Inn in the upper southwestern part and the central part (Fig. d). Traffic is slowed down by the paving of the vehicle road with concrete paving stones and various traffic signs and pedestrian priority crossings are provided. In addition to controlled service opportunities very early in the day, workplaces are provided with the flexibility of specific service and maintenance opportunities with special permission from the municipality. Textured paths are available on the ground for the access of the blind which cannot be used for its intended purpose, in section b of the street visible on the map. These paths are blocked in some parts of the streets (Fig.b, c). The street can be accessed via car parks accessible by individual vehicles (fig.4). At the same time, a touristic train for public transportation, provides circulation (sightseeing) by making loops in certain routes in the Walled City. Social/com munity activities.
Social-cultural activities such as entertainment events, kermes and bicycle tours are also held in Asmaaltı Street. In addition, cultural activities such as exhibitions and concerts also take place in Büyük Han on the street.

Economic development
The Asmaaltı area is very close to the "Lokmacı" barricade on the Southern Cyprus border. For this reason, it provides economic benefits at any time of the day due to the visiting tourists. Although boutiques and souvenir shops on the street serve at certain times of the day, there are activities since cafes and restaurants are open until late at night. In addition to the restaurants and cafes in Büyük Han (Fig. 30) and Kumarcılar Khan (Fig. 31), souvenir and handicraft producers also contribute to economical development of the region. Quality of physical environment Buildings along the street needs renovation. Although the street coverings reflect a certain order and quality, it is observed that it is not suitable for its purpose in some places. Textured surfaces made especially for the access of visually impaired individuals seem to be blocked and out of use.  There are still industrial uses on some streets connected to Asmaaltı street (Fig. 32). In addition, many buildings in the region require maintenance and repair (Fig. 33).    The street can be accessed via car parks accessible by individual vehicles (Fig.4). At the same time, a touristic train for public transportation, provides circulation sightseeing) by making loops in certain routes in the Walled City. Social/commu nity activities.
Special day activities including live music performances, folklore and dance performances are organized around the Selimiye mosque.

Economic development
The Selimiye region is very close to the "Lokmacı" barricade on the Southern Cyprus border. For this reason, it provides economic benefits at any time of the day due to the visiting tourists. Although boutiques and souvenir shops on the street serve at certain times of the day, there is activity since cafes and restaurants are open until late at night. Quality of physical environment Some of the buildings along the street needs renovation. The shading elements of some shops on the street are irregular and seem incompatible to the environment. During this research, restoration works had already started in the Selimiye Mosque.

Results and Discussion
It is a fact accepted by everyone that the importance of pedestrian areas for cities, especially for safe and comfortable movement of pedestrians. It is very important for pedestrians to be able to wander and shop without interfering with vehicular traffic, to meet their needs, to have a good time, to benefit from cafes and restaurants on the walking route. It is also known that such pedestrian streets are always a point of attraction. Especially in cities with historical characteristics and identity, pedestrian areas become more important. Perceiving the environment while walking, being able to breathe the historical atmosphere without worrying about traffic is a very important achievement for the locals as well as the tourists.
In this research, the existing situation of streets/areas that were pedestrianized in the Walled City were examined. The findings based on the research criteria (functions in the street, mobility, accessibility by car or public transportation, social/community activities, economic development and quality of physical environment) together with recommendations of the research are as follows: The city of Nicosia is a whole surrounded by city walls. It is the last divided city in the world. Because of this division, some of the streets have lost their continuity because of the green line/buffer zone dividing the city into two. The integrity of the city is also effected and abandoned buildings along the border are left to deteriorate. In general, the streets should be restored to preserve the urban texture and identity. Existing buildings need to be restored and renewed in a way that they respond to contemporary living needs. When considering the facades, it should be noted that AC compressors, which are already mounted on the facades, create visual pollution. Heating and cooling systems, which are essential because of the climate, must be solved without disturbing the facades and naturally the street view. In addition, it should be compulsory to bury the electrical cables which can be seen on the street facades and passing above the streets, in order not to spoil the texture. Shop signs should also be arranged in accordance with certain rules so as not to disturb the visual quality of the facades. It is seen that, urban furnitures available on the streets and squares examined are quite neglected. It is also observed that in some streets/squares they are not compatible with each other and the architectural environment as well. Increasing the landscape elements such as overhead shading elements and trees, which will be especially useful in the summer time, seems very necessary for the pedestrian's free movement and also for making them spend more time in the region. Some of the recently pedestrianized streets have textured paths on the street surface for the access of visually impaired individuals. The outdoor seating areas reserved for cafes and restaurants in these streets and the stands used by the stores to display their products prevent the free movement of pedestrians, especially disableds having visual impairments. Textured surfaces made on the ground for the visually impaired in some streets are blocked in such a way that they prevent the free movement of these individuals safely and individually. In this sense, local government should take effective and deterrent measures. It is seen as a good decision to allocate some buildings in the city to the departments related to architecture and art for vitalization of these pedestrianized areas. it is also clear that the pedestrianization projects in walled city and other arrangements to be made in this area, as being an open laboratory, will be very beneficial for students who study architecture and art.

Conclusion
In this study the pedestrianized streets/areas in the north Nicosia Walled City were examined. On-site observations have been done, the current status of the streets was evaluated in terms of the functions in the street, mobility, accessibility by car or public transportation, social/community activities, economic development, and quality of the physical environment. According to the results obtained, it can be concluded that radical decisions should be taken and implemented in terms of administrative and technical interests to ensure the sustainability of the city, improve the quality of life, to meet the needs of the region and local people in a modern sense and to provide the necessary infrastructure. At this point, legal arrangements should be made to increase the power and revenues of local governments and such projects should be enabled. To ensure the sustainability of the region in all respects, local governments should also create an active platform for exchange of views with business owners, other users, and residents in the region.