Reconstruction of public space in the context of the continuity of the urban spine: Mersin Cumhuriyet Square and Atatürk Boulevard Çamlıbel urban design contest

Mersin has been a prominent settlement in the Cilicia Region since antiquity, with its urbanization shaped by its port, trade and maritime identities, originating from a fishing harbor. The city’s development was primarily driven by trade and port activities, initially concentrated around Uray Street, the commercial hub, before expanding towards Atatürk Street, forming the urban spine. Over time, this historical fabric gave rise to distinctive urban spaces, with Uray Street emerging as a central element of urban identity. However, uncoordinated planning decisions and implementations have led to the erosion of original urban spaces, weakening the historical continuity between the city center and the Uray-Atatürk Street axis. The construction of a new port has diminished the significance of key focal points such as Customs Square, while the proliferation of shopping malls has undermined the area’s commercial fabric. Moreover, the deterioration of previously integrated transportation networks has fragmented vital public spaces, including Customs Square, Yoghurt Bazaar and Lovers’ Park, disrupting spatial continuity. Incompatible land use and inadequate planning have created undefined, disconnected spaces, obstructing pedestrian movement. Physical and spatial barriers such as driveways, parked vehicles, elevation differences, and insufficient shading exacerbate disconnection, while impermeable surfaces such as concrete and asphalt intensify the heat island effect, diminishing the area's functionality and livability. In response to these problems, urban transformation efforts accelerated with the Cumhuriyet Square and Atatürk Street Çamlıbel Urban Design Contest organized by Mersin Municipality in 2021. While the winning project, currently being implemented, prioritizes the restoration, sustainability and reinforcement of the urban spine, this study situates the scope and boundaries of the competition project, which primarily focuses on the Atatürk Street section, within the broader contextual framework of the Uray-Atatürk axis. By doing so, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the formation, spatial and functional characteristics of this axis, while also offering a holistic evaluation of the changes, interruptions and ruptures that have occurred over time. The methodology includes literature and archive research to identify extensive potential as well as defects and deficiencies. It also involves an analysis of urban mobility, public space reorganization, pedestrianization and transportation regulations, followed by an evaluation aimed at proposing a comprehensive solution package consisting of planning strategies and decision-making approaches related to spatial design. Offering strategies for the preservation and transformation of the urban spine, this study not only provides design insights, but also serves as a model for other cities in urban planning and design.

Keywords: Public space reconstruction, urban spine continuity, Uray Street/ Mersin, Atatürk Street/ Mersin, Cumhuriyet Square/ Mersin.