Accessibility Assessment of Traditional Bazaar Neighborhoods

Public spaces like traditional bazaars represent vital social infrastructure for community interaction and economic vitality, yet often present significant accessibility barriers that conflict with Sustainable Development Goal 11’s (SDG 11) vision of inclusive urban environments. This study evaluates the accessibility of the Kyrenia bazaar in Northern Cyprus through a mixed-methods approach integrating Universal Design (UD) principles and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. On-site observation and systematic analysis identified numerous barriers, including inadequate pathways, lack of ramps, uneven surfaces, and insufficient signage. These limitations disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities, compromising both their rights to public participation and broader social sustainability objectives. The study’s findings reveal substantial accessibility gaps: ADA-based checklist items achieved a weighted compliance rate of only 41.5% across the five evaluated zones, while assessment against UD principles showed an even lower weighted compliance rate of 24.6%, with the most consistent deficiencies found in wayfinding signage and hazard tolerance. The study proposes targeted interventions including standardized pathways, enhanced signage, accessible vendor layouts, and sensitization programs. These evidence-based recommendations offer practical strategies for market administrators and urban planners to transform traditional marketplaces into more inclusive environments. By addressing these accessibility gaps, traditional bazaars can both fulfill their role as inclusive community spaces and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of SDG 11 targets. This research advances understanding of the crucial intersection between UD, social sustainability, and cultural heritage preservation in informal public spaces.