Cosmopolitanism in urban spaces: The case of Kuzguncuk and its hybrid historic environment

Kuzguncuk, a historic neighbourhood in the Asian (Anatolian) part of Istanbul, Turkey, serves as an exemplary case study to identify the complicated relationship between urban tradition and cosmopolitanism. The unique architectural heritage of Kuzguncuk is characterised by a variety of religious buildings, including two synagogues, two Greek Orthodox churches, an Armenian church and a mosque, all located in the immediate vicinity. The presence of different residential buildings built by people from various backgrounds also emphasises the multicultural heritage that has shaped the urban fabric of Kuzguncuk. This spatial arrangement is not only an example of the historical cosmopolitanism of the area but also identifies the characteristics and sustainability of cosmopolitan architecture. The current situation in the area demonstrates the possible approaches and strategies which can be used for the sustainability of cosmopolitan architecture even though the cosmopolitan nature of the society has decreased over time. This article looks at the changing cosmopolitan character of Kuzguncuk, focusing on how the multi-ethnic harmony and their representative architectural coexistence have evolved over time and examines the impact on today's urban space.