A Comparative Reading on the Transformation of Public Space: The Cases of Bursa Kent Meydanı and Hanlar District

This study comparatively examines the transformation of public space in Bursa through two critical cases: Hanlar District and Kent Meydanı. Historically shaped as an Ottoman commercial center, Hanlar District has preserved its historical continuity and cultural heritage over time. The urban design competition organized in 2020 aimed to preserve the historical identity of the district while enhancing public accessibility. In contrast, Kent Meydanı, which functioned as the city’s main bus terminal throughout the twentieth century, was intended to be transformed into a contemporary public square. However, during the implementation process, private investment priorities led to its conversion into a shopping mall, thereby limiting its public character. The comparative findings indicate that Hanlar District offers a relatively more inclusive public space by emphasizing historical continuity and social accessibility, whereas Kent Meydanı has evolved into a quasi-public environment shaped by neoliberal urban policies and commercialization processes. The study demonstrates that the sustainability of public spaces depends not only on physical interventions but also on the integration of social inclusivity, democratic participation, and cultural heritage preservation into urban planning and policy-making processes. In this respect, the research highlights the importance of participatory urban approaches for maintaining both the identity and functionality of transforming public spaces.