Transmission of spatial experience in the context of sustainability of urban memory

Urban memory involves the re-creation of a city’s physical, historical, social, and cultural elements in the memories of its inhabitants. However, urban transformation and commercial tourism-oriented projects may threaten the continuity of this memory. This study aims to provide an understanding of the relationship between urban memory and spatial experience while exploring how urban memory elements convey meanings to daily users and local inhabitants of a touristic settlement. The research focuses on Misi Village in Bursa, Turkey, a settlement with a 2000-year history known for its traditional architecture and natural beauty. Over the past two decades, local authorities have pursued extensive restoration projects to rebrand Misi Village as an Art and Tourism Village. The research employs the oral history method, focusing on two user groups: tourists and locals. The findings reveal that while tourists appreciate Misi Village for its natural beauty and recreational activities, they lack a deeper understanding of its history and the transformation of its identity. Instead, they mostly focus on commerce-oriented spatial experiences. In contrast, local residents emphasize daily life and traditional practices as they strive to sustain their livelihoods. By highlighting this difference, strategic planning is proposed to preserve Misi Village’s unique urban memory and promote sustainable, culturally centered tourism.