A New Cultural Spine Rooted in Ürgüp’s Historical Memory
Spina Cultura is envisioned as a cultural spine that reconnects the people of Ürgüp with their shared historical, social, and spatial identity. Drawing from centuries of accumulated knowledge and East–West cultural exchange, the project reimagines Ürgüp’s historic center as a vibrant public core where nature, art, and collective memory converge.
Taking its name from Latin, Spina Cultura — “the cultural spine” — aims to harmonize the rhythm of modern life with values such as community, wisdom, and nature. Positioned at the heart of Ürgüp, the project reactivates the urban fabric through a network of public squares, pedestrian streets, market courtyards, and event spaces. The design integrates cultural programming into everyday life: open-air exhibitions, artist performances, and craft ateliers transform the city into a living canvas.
The area, once reduced to a mere transit corridor, is now redefined as a meaningful destination. Abandoned public buildings are reprogrammed into gathering hubs; former dead ends become walkable routes that invite exploration and reflection. Public spaces evolve from being passive backdrops into dynamic stages for community interaction, artistic production, and social exchange.
This transformation is not merely physical, but cultural. The project proposes a new future for Ürgüp’s center — one that is inclusive, human-centered, and ecologically responsive. Green corridors, thematic parks, and bicycle-friendly streets form a sustainable framework for mobility. Revitalized courtyards and layered facades echo Ürgüp’s rich architectural heritage, while introducing a contemporary language rooted in local identity.
Spina Cultura becomes both a place and a story — one that celebrates continuity over rupture, slowness over speed, and collective creativity over consumption. It is an invitation to reclaim the city through movement, meaning, and shared memory.
