Visual Codes of the City: Landscape Features in Metropolitan Logos

Urban identity is the unique and dynamic character formed by the coming together of the historical, cultural, ecological and social layers of a place. The most concentrated visual reflection of this character and the pioneering tool of urban branding are reflected through city logos. In this research, the use of natural and cultural landscape elements in the visual representation of urban identity was examined with a structured methodology based on the current corporate logos of 30 metropolitan municipalities in Türkiye. The main purpose of the study is to analyze in detail the frequency of use, distribution and semiotic meanings of natural landscape elements (mountain, water, vegetation, topography) and cultural landscape elements (architectural structures, monuments, agricultural products, historical ruins) in the formation of urban identity through these logos. The Visual Content Analysis technique was used in the process of converting the data into a quantitative format and evaluating it and the obtained categorical data were examined with statistical models such as frequency analysis, Cohen's Kappa reliability coefficient, the Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index and the Pearson Chi-Square test of independence. Statistical modelings clearly show that coastal cities emphasize natural landscape (especially water and sea) elements, while cities with high historical depth emphasize cultural and architectural landscape elements. This study reveals how cities transform their invisible cultural heritage and natural resources into a visual urban memory and emphasizes the importance of preserving local urban landscape elements.