Public spaces play a pivotal role inUrmia urban lifeVitality, acting as centres for social interaction, cultural exchange and economic activity. This study focuses on the UrmiaUrmia BazaarBazaar in IranIran, a historic public space that exemplifies resilience and adaptability amidst extensive urban transformation. By employing space syntax analysis across three historical periods (1933, 1948 and 2023), the research investigates how spatial configurations, pedestrian flowPedestrian flow patterns and accessibilityAccessibility dynamics have evolved over time and contributed to the vitalityVitality of the bazaarBazaar. The findings reveal that despite the introduction of modern grid systems, which altered the city’s traditional layout, the bazaarBazaar has retained its role as a socio-economic and cultural nucleus. Metrics such as Normalized Angular Integration (NAIN) and Normalized Angular Choice (NACH) demonstrate how the bazaarBazaar sustains high levels of spatial integration and connectivity, enabling it to remain an attractor of pedestrian flowsPedestrian flow and a thriving hub of commerce and community engagement. The adaptability of its spatial configuration, combined with its embedded cultural significance, underscores the enduring relevance of traditional urban formsUrban form in modern contexts. This study also highlights the interplay between spatial design and urban vitalityVitality, signifying that well-connected and accessible spaces foster pedestrian movement and social interaction while supporting economic activity. The research identifies key challenges posed by modernization and offers strategies to enhance the vitalityVitality of historic public spaces. These include improving spatial connectivity through better pedestrian pathways, integrating sustainable design principles, promoting inclusive urban planning practices, and implementing cultural programming to reinforce the bazaar’sBazaar socio-cultural role. The findings have significant implications for urban planners and policymakers seeking to balance heritage preservation with contemporary urban demands. By bridging theoretical insights with practical applications, this study contributes to the broader discourse on public space vitalityVitality, offering a replicable framework for assessing and revitalizing historic spaces in rapidly urbanizing cities. In conclusion, the UrmiaUrmia BazaarBazaar serves as a testament to the resilience of traditional public spaces, providing valuable lessons for designing inclusive, vibrant and sustainable urban environments that honour cultural heritage while addressing modern needs.