Bogac, C. (2023). Praxis of urban peacebuilding in Famagusta Cyprus . Journal of Urban Research and Development, 4(01), 5–15. Retrieved from https://ojs.emu.edu.tr/index.php/jurd/article/view/447

Abstract

Urban design and development have experienced significant changes, shifting away from traditional top-down decision-making methods. This shift has emphasized the importance of community engagement and participatory design, particularly in contested cities. Famagusta, a city affected by the ongoing division in Cyprus, highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches to rebuild and reconcile communities. Varosha, the city’s former tourist resort, has been inaccessible to the public since the island’s division in 1974 due to military restrictions. This study focuses on the Famagusta Ecocity Project, a case study for sustainable and inclusive urban development that aims to foster peace and harmony in a post-conflict setting. The study examines the project’s 10-year journey towards urban peacebuilding and highlights key insights from the process. The findings reveal that an ecocity presents a transformative solution, offering a comprehensive approach to establishing a resilient “peace infrastructure” in a contested city.

Keywords: Urban Peacebuilding, Community Engagement, Participatory Design, Ecocity, Famagusta

Acknowledgments

This article is an expansion of a Keynote address delivered at the CyNUM’s 2nd Regional Urban Morphology Conference on 8 April 2022. The author would like to express gratitude to the core team members of the Famagusta Ecocity project, including Emily Markides, Vasia Markides, Nektarios Christodoulou, Fiona Mullen, Armando Garma, as well as all the experts who participated in the panel discussions. Special thanks are extended to the volunteers, supporters, eco and peace activists, and student teams involved in the project. The author would also like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Prof. Jan Wampler. Finally, heartfelt appreciation is extended to all the Famagustians who share a deep affection for their city.

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