Originality..
Following the path of the original cities.
In my previous article, I highlighted that the two most important characteristics I look for in cities are their integrity and originality. I primarily focused on the integrity of cities. In this article, I will expand my discussion and focus on the city’s originality.
Let me begin by stating my conclusion upfront to avoid tiring you. ‘Cities that maintain their originality enhance their brand value.’
The city’s distinctive identity attracts creative individuals like a magnet, fostering valuable clusters that contribute to its status as a brand city. According to Richard Florida, the original structures of cities play a crucial role in drawing the creative class. Cities that boast a unique atmosphere, vibrant culture, and a strong connection to the arts become hubs of attraction for both talent and innovative projects.
This is actually a component of the Brand City issue. Attracting the creative class is likely the topic of my next article.
My dear wife knows that I am a fan of the Gipsy Kings. Last year, she told me not to buy a return ticket to Slovakia because she had a surprise for me (by the way, she is Slovak). When I pressed her for more details, she revealed that she had bought two tickets to a Gipsy Kings concert. She suggested we take a weekend away together, apart from the kids.
Okay, Huston, we have a problem. Why are these guys in a tiny town in Slovakia? The concert venue is a five-hour train ride plus a taxi ride from our town of Košice. We booked a hotel, but I still can’t believe it. We double-checked the internet and confirmed that there is indeed a concert in that town on that date. By the way, this town is home to a Roma community whose culture is protected by UNESCO. It all makes sense now—Gipsy Kings and Roma culture; we thought, why not?
We travelled for about three hours and found the journey to be very comfortable. The train picked up passengers at a stop, and we paused for a while. I’m still in disbelief about it. I said to her, “Can you look at the concert again? What’s the situation?”
She looked, and the concert was cancelled.
Well, it could be.
Where are we? In the town of Trencin.
There’s a hotel we’ve never been to before.
Let’s get off immediately.
We got off.
With the kids away, you shouldn’t miss a weekend getaway, no matter where it is.
I’m glad we managed to get away.
Trencin is a small town where we stayed only in the historic part of the city. We unexpectedly found ourselves in a wonderful place with its unique charm. The well-preserved old castle and the city centre captivated us. There were more tourists from various nationalities than I had anticipated. It was a delightful surprise to discover such a beautiful location without prior knowledge. The old buildings are not only preserved but also actively in use.
There is energy and there is spirit.
By the way, we learnt an interesting story in Trencin that may be interesting for you too.
Omar and Fatma’s love well
The well is located in the castle, and we visited it to see it.
During the period of Ottoman invasions (often referred to as conquests by us), significant historical events were prominently reflected in the traditions and literature of Central Europe. One notable example is the legendary “love well” located at Trenčín Castle in western Slovakia.
The well in Trenčín is said to have been dug by a Turk named Omar to rescue his beloved Fatima, who was held captive by the Hungarian Count Stephen Zápolya, who ruled the area in the 1490s. Although the story is set in a historical context, it was first published in German in the early 19th century by the Hungarian nobleman Alois Freiherr von Mednyánszky, who may have created the legend himself.
The tale was introduced to English readers ten years later by traveller John Paget. Notably, the story entered Slovak literature around the same time as the codification of the modern Slovak literary language by Ľudovít Štúr. His brother, Karol, wrote a poetic adaptation titled “A Monument to Love” in 1844, initially in Czech. Additionally, their friend Mikuláš Dohnány penned his own poetic version, “The Well of Trenčín,” in 1846.
While the events and characters in the story (aside from Zápolya) are fictional, historians agree that the well was dug by Austrian soldiers in the 16th century, not by a noble Turk. Nevertheless, it remains the most popular tourist attraction in Trenčín and one of the most enduring love stories in Slovak culture today.
Change is fast
Today, cities are evolving rapidly. When these cities increase rents excessively, it becomes impossible to manage them.
I can guess what is on your mind.
Transforming a city into a brand can be achieved not only through physical changes but also by preserving the unique characteristics that define its identity. In today’s rapidly changing world, this approach allows cities to renew themselves while maintaining their originality, creating a compelling attraction for both visitors and residents.
I have experienced this vibrant essence in many large and small cities across Europe. However, let’s not overlook the wonderfully preserved cities in our own country. The authenticity of a city is directly related to its brand value. In this context, the history, cultural fabric, traditions, and distinctive lifestyles of cities are essential components of their brand identity.
It adds belonging
Individuals who feel a sense of belonging to their city tend to be compassionate. They take on a sense of responsibility for their city. Original cities stand out from others due to this characteristic; it is the key factor that shapes their unique identity and authentic atmosphere. In this context, preserving a city’s original identity imbues it with a soul, and this essence strongly resonates with visitors, fostering a deep sense of belonging.
Studies conducted by organizations like UNESCO demonstrate the positive impact of cultural heritage preservation on a city’s brand value. The fact that cities that maintain a connection to their past are more attractive to visitors underscores the significance of preserving the original fabric of the city.
Kevin Lynch, a prominent researcher in urban studies and planning, emphasizes the importance of preserving a city’s local identity alongside its architectural and historical character in his work, (The Image of the City – 1960). Lynch argues that maintaining original structures and local identities enhances residents’ and visitors’ sense of belonging..
Authenticity in cities is often driven by both tangible and intangible cultural heritage elements, such as historical buildings, traditional markets, folk art, and handicrafts.
For instance, the distinctive university culture of Heidelberg in Germany and the gastronomic tradition of Lyon in France are strong brand elements that set these cities apart from others. Similarly, Gaziantep’s rich gastronomic heritage and its ability to showcase this tradition differentiate it from other cities in our country. Ultimately, the uniqueness of a city is found not only in its physical structures but also in the lives of its inhabitants, their daily rituals, and the distinctive atmosphere that characterizes that city.
In Bari, Italy, I woke up early in the morning, put on my trainers and tracksuit, and set out to explore the city. Italians often stop by a café before work, enjoying their coffee while standing. The aroma of the coffee there is indescribable—it’s a ritual that captures a unique aspect of the local culture.
It provides economic input
Original cities, in general, not only contribute to tourism but also revitalise the local economy. Sharon Zukin, in her book ‘The Cultures of Cities (1995), discusses the economic value of the cultural heritage and artistic fabric of cities. According to Zukin, the preservation of a city’s cultural heritage elements differentiates the city from other destinations and increases both its economic development and its potential to attract visitors.
I also cite various sources on the authenticity of the city, such as Jürgen Habermas and David Harvey, two of my favourite communication theorists, who focus on the relationship between globalisation and urban identity. Harvey, in his work ‘The Condition of Postmodernity’ (1989), states that cities are at risk of losing their identities with globalisation. Accordingly, the preservation of local values, culture and architecture contributes to the branding process by preventing cities from becoming identical to each other.
Globalisation is like a process of sameness. It is a bit cruel, but it is like local coffee shops closing down and being replaced by coffee chains serving all over the world where we do not know what is in them.
For cities aspiring to be ‘brand cities,’ maintaining originality is crucial, especially amid globalization pressures.
Tourists in Alanya are often pleasantly surprised by the offering of apple tea, which brings them joy. Even those who casually play backgammon exhibit a different appreciation for their surroundings. Additionally, the way stray animals are cared for and their ability to roam freely among people reflects cultural values. All of these aspects contribute to the unique charm of the area.
Authenticity (Originality) is essential to a city’s brand identity; it serves as its foundation.
I’m not sure if I’ve explained this in great detail in a longer article.
We must protect authenticity not only in tourism but also in the transmission of cultural heritage to future generations. We create and differentiate originality not to compete on a global scale, but by preserving our distinctive characteristics.
When cities lose their uniqueness, the homogeneity of buildings and lifestyles weakens our competitiveness in tourism. Conversely, protecting cultural heritage is essential for achieving sustainable success in becoming a branded city. In other words, values that are unique to themselves, rather than similar to others, leave a lasting impression. This can be seen in examples like Trencin and Italy.
Authenticity is the key element that sets a city apart and enhances its brand identity, leading to an unforgettable experience for visitors. The city’s historic buildings, traditional markets, and charming streets provide unique experiences that keep attracting visitors time and again. Isn’t this one of our main goals?
Cities that maintain their authenticity provide a strong sense of belonging for locals and an exceptional experience for visitors.
I hope to have encouraged you to reflect as individuals connected to the cities we inhabit.
PhD. Yakup Uslu
Source: Original text in Turkish : https://www.alanyapostasi.com.tr/orijinallik-orijinal-kentlerin-izinde#google_vignette
