Rethinking Local Development in Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities: Challenges, Gaps and Opportunities

Ayça Soygür () and Naciye Doratlı
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Ayça Soygür: Faculty of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus, Mersin 10, Famagusta 99500, Turkey
Naciye Doratlı: Faculty of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus, Mersin 10, Famagusta 99500, Turkey

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-28

Abstract: Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs) face unique development challenges—ranging from environmental pressures to heritage vulnerability—yet remain underrepresented in urban research. This study addresses this gap by proposing a context-sensitive analytical framework and applying it to six diverse SSMCs: Peñíscola (Spain), Mahdia (Tunisia), Marsala (Italy), Rethymno (Greece), Ayvalık (Türkiye), and Lefke (Cyprus). These cities were selected for their varied geographies, cultural assets, and planning contexts. Using a qualitative methodology based on policy analysis and secondary data, each case was evaluated across six principles: contextual urbanism, environmental stewardship, heritage integration, economic resilience, participatory governance, and adaptive planning. Findings show strong cultural identity and human-scale design across cases, but also widespread issues like fragmented planning and tourism dependency. Nonetheless, emerging local initiatives in sustainability and civic engagement highlight opportunities for reform. The study offers a unique and transferable framework for guiding inclusive, resilient development in small-scale Mediterranean contexts.

Keywords: small-scale cities; local development; mediterranean urbanism; sustainable governance; urban policy and planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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