Investigating Attachment to a City: A Study in Multiple Districts of Istanbul, Turkey

Place attachment (PA) refers to the emotional bond individuals develop toward a particular place and the result of individuals’ accumulated experiences of both the physical and the social dimensions of that environment. This study aims to assess the relationship between the factors influencing PA and the distinct characteristics of various districts in Istanbul. It is based on the opinions of 199 participants, including residents and immigrants who have lived in different districts for over 10 years, gathered through a questionnaire. The analysis employs chi-square techniques, consensus, and variance tables. This study advances PA frameworks by revealing how cultural heritage and nature differentially shape attachment for natives versus immigrants. It also guides targeted urban policies—preserving heritage for natives or enhancing green spaces for immigrants. Key findings reveal distinct patterns of place attachment across Istanbul's neighborhoods. The study identifies four primary district typologies—traditional, cultural heritage, natural, and recreational–commercial—each fostering different attachment dynamics. Statistical analyses reveal that cultural heritage sites (51.8% of responses) and natural environments (31.2%) generate the strongest place attachment, with significant variation between native residents and immigrants. Surprisingly, socioeconomic factors exhibit minimal influence on place attachment across most districts. Qualitative data highlight how personal experiences and collective memories fundamentally shape emotional bonds to place. These insights provide urban planners with actionable evidence to develop targeted strategies that enhance place identity, suggesting heritage conservation for native-dominated areas and green space development in immigrant-concentrated neighborhoods.