The Suitability of Mixed Methodology in Reading the Identity of Ternate City

Abstract

Urban identity is a multidimensional concept shaped not only by physical elements but also by historical, cultural, spatial, and perceptual dimensions. As a historic city, Ternate possesses a layered identity formed through the interaction of Sultanate heritage, colonial fortifications, coastal morphology, Mount Gamalama, historic street networks, and community cultural practices. Although previous studies have examined various aspects of urban identity, most focus on empirical findings, while limited attention has been given to evaluating the methodological suitability of mixed methods for investigating urban identity in historic cities. This study aims to examine the suitability of the mixed methods approach for reading the urban identity of Ternate. The research employs a descriptive qualitative methodological review based on document analysis and a state-of-the-art literature review. The analysis assesses the relationship between the characteristics of Ternate's urban identity, research data requirements, methodological design, and strategies for integrating qualitative and quantitative data. The findings indicate that mixed methods is an appropriate approach because qualitative data can reveal historical narratives, symbolic meanings, cultural values, and spatial structures, whereas quantitative data can measure public perceptions of urban identity elements. However, the effectiveness of this approach depends on explicit data integration, well-defined indicators, and the use of joint displays to synthesize findings from both datasets. This study concludes that mixed methods provide a comprehensive methodological framework for understanding the complex urban identity of Ternate and contributes to strengthening methodological discourse on urban identity research in historic cities characterized by intertwined tangible and intangible heritage.