From Reality to Virtuality: Re-discussing Cities with the Concept of the Metaverse

The increase in the transaction volume of cryptocurrencies, the widespread use of blockchain technology, and increase in the number of augmented reality devices (virtual, augmented, and mixed reality) have led to the formation of a suitable environment for Metaverse. Metaverse is a virtual or augmented reality created beyond the physical world via an internet connection with augmented reality devices, game consoles, computers, tablets or mobile phones. This universe may be beyond the real world, or it is created by the virtualization of real world objects to a certain extent. While Metaverse has the opportunity to be applied comfortably in all areas of daily life, it can also be designed as an urban policy design tool. In the study, the conceptual framework of the metaverse will be presented, the metaverse investments of global companies will be determined, the concept of metaverse will be examined in the context of virtual reality relationship, the reflections of metaverse applications on the city will be examined, and finally, the effects and role of the metaverse in urban policy production will be discussed and conclusions and evaluations will be given.

Looking at the history of the metaverse, the greatest progress has been made from the video game industry through games such as Wolfenstein 3D, Duke Nukem 3D, Ever-Quest, Ultima Online and Doom. In these games, 3D game playing experience is provided for the users (Cammack, 2010). Metaverse is an advanced form of online gaming. In terms of the connection between reality and virtuality, the metaverse has a stronger connection between reality and virtuality. The way Metaverse users participate is also different from before. Users can participate more freely than in existing online games, with the way they create their own stories rather than narratives such as role-playing and drama using the space (Han et al., 2021). Caulfield defines the concept of metaverse as synergistic, jointly and immersive shared three-dimensional virtual world(s) (Caulfield, 2021). Metaverseis virtual shared spaces that create a universe, allowing the user to choose an avatar, build homes and businesses, hold meetings, attend classes, find partners, and do the seemingly impossible (Srushti, 2021).
In another study, it was emphasized that the metaverse serves as a virtual spatial background that enables users to participate in social, economic and cultural activities through avatars (Hendaoui et al., 2008). I can be used to incorporate intelligence into the Metaverse for enhanced user experience such as efficient object creation, intelligent chatbots, and user-generated content. For example, Epic Games company's Meta Human project used AI to quickly create lifelike digital characters (Lim et al., 2022). For a metaverse to meet real-world requirements, at least; a shared 3D environment, avatar, communication (interpersonal, group, audience), real-time interaction, creative expression (personal and environmental) and financial resources are needed (Cammack, 2010). There with all the metaverse is a com-plex digital environment based on seven different layers. These layers (xrtoday.com, 2021a): 1) Infrastructure-5G, Wi-Fi and processors 2) Human interface -devices used to connect in metadata (VR headsets, AR glasses, haptics, and other technologies) 3) Decentralization-Blockchain, edge computing, artificial intelligence 4) Spatial computing-3D visualization and modeling frameworks 5) Creative economy-Various design tools, digital assets and e-commerce establishments 6) Discovery-Ads, social media, ratings, reviews, etc. A content engine that provides inter-action, including. 7) Experiences-Game, event, work, shopping etc. for digital applications.
Metaverse is a new investment area for companies. While in earlier times the use of XR was limited to "in the laboratory" or only in private areas, it has now led to wider acceptance in society, such as in civil defense, aviation, emergency preparedness and evacuation planning, and almost all educational disciplines, besides the private sector (Çöltekin et al., 2020). Whether on devices in virtual and augmented reality or on a display or console, the promise of the metaverse is to allow a greater overlap of virtual and real lives in wealth, socializing, productivity, shopping, and entertainment (Clark, 2021).

Chapter 1 Extended Reality
Augmented reality refers to all real and virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions created by computer technology, wearable technology, and game consoles. The concept of augmented reality encompasses all forms of reality such as augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality. In addition, augmented reality can be defined as a simple concept that combines three realities in a single term (Medium, 2018). XR encompasses immersive technologies that "expand" experienced reality by involving users in a human-machine converged reality through an integrated cyber and physical environment using computers and wearable's (Alnagrat et al., 2021). Technologies seen as tools to create unique environments, experiences and interactions, XR represents a powerful opportunity for businesses and consumers alike. The XR market, valued at US$26.05 billion in 2020, has grown at an incredible pace. Experts think that XR will reach a value of $ 463.7 billion by 2026 and achieve a growth of over 62.67%.The market of augmented reality applications has seen a significant increase in 2020 and 2021.
The pandemic (COVID-19) has increased interest in the creation of virtual experiences in many industries to strengthen business and collaboration. XR has also developed into institutionalism. Nowadays companies now include augmented reality when planning their digital transformation strategies (Xrtoday, 2021b). In the research report published by the Accenture Company in 2021, it was claimed that global companies are heavily transitioning to augmented reality technology. While companies take initiatives to increase employee participation and provide more effective and flexible learning opportunities, they assign important missions to XR technologies. In addition, a highly effective learning experience can be experienced by creating a safe and fully interactive environment (Accenture, 2021).
Extended reality glasses can be made more functional by adding different equipment. In order for these glasses to serve various purposes; Camera, microphones, speaker and sensors can be mounted.

Chapter 2 Augmented Reality
Augmented reality is the realization of virtual environment by adding virtual information to a physical real world environment. Augmented reality adds virtual information not only to the real environment, but also to video and game streams, giving the user a simpler view. Augmented reality is a visual augmentation technique that transfers computergenerated data (text, video, graphics, and GPS data) onto a real-world image as captured from the camera of a tablet, notebook, computer, mobile phone, or game console (Kounavis, 2012). Augmented reality applications; fixed indoor, fixed outdoor, mobile indoor, mobile outdoor and mobile indoors and outdoor systems are divided into five categories. Mobile systems allow the user to move around without being limited to a room, thus making it easy for the user to move around using a wireless system. Fixed systems cannot be moved. In this system, users can only use the system where it is installed (Carmigniani et al., 2011).

Chapter 3 Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is a human-computer desire simulating an advanced world. They can browse virtually online (Zheng et al., 1998). VR is an artificial application created by different devices in a real-life environment. This application helps users experience the transformed reality in a different way by adapting the senses such as sight and hearing in addition. Virtual reality has features such as disconnecting experiences and interactions from the real world or blending them with the real world, making real and virtual similar. For these reasons, the number of users has increased rapidly in recent years (Ramos et al., 2018). The main aim of the Virtual Reality system is to use technology to change reality and create an immersive environment. It means that the display must be completely immersive, with a wide field of view and 3D graphics rendered as realistically as possible. The land of view is the size of the user's screen. So the larger the land of view, the higher the intensity level (Azuma, 1997).

Chapter 4 Mixed Reality
Ideas have been put forward that AR and VR are closely related to each other and that it is necessary to deal with the two concepts together. In augmented reality (AR), the real world is enriched with virtual content. In augmented virtuality (AV), most of the content is virtual, but the objects found in the world have been added to some extent. In mixed reality (MR), objects that exist in the real and virtual worlds are blended (Skarbez et al., 2021). In a study published in 1994 by Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino, mixed reality was able to mimic properties of physical reality, creating a world in which the participant observer is completely immersed in a virtual world, where the physical laws governing gravity, time, and material properties of the existing or fictional realworld environment no longer apply but it is also described as a view that can cross borders. A real environment is any environment consisting only of real objects (Fig. 2). A virtual environment is an environment made up of virtual objects. In this framework, a general Mixed Reality (MR) environment, real world and virtual world objects are presented on a single screen. When comparing the three realities (Fig. 3), augmented reality and mixed reality headsets are used, while special headsets or smart glasses are used in virtual reality. While creating a completely digital environment in virtual reality, it is presented in augmented and mixed reality blended with real life. The main difference between augmented reality and mixed reality relates to the level of awareness of virtual objects. In mixed reality, there are perfectly rendered virtual objects that are indistinguishable from real objects, while in augmented reality virtual objects can be described according to their nature and behavior.

Different application Areas Of Metaverse In The city
The application of metaverse finds its practical application in many areas (science, health, culture, art, economy and daily life) of the city. In the report published by Thomas Alsop, among the smart cities best XR/AR/VR/MR applications in America in 2020, navigation solutions and improvements in urban planning are the two best applications of innovator technologies in smart cities. These two are respectively; smart traffic signaling management, smart parking and smart building management systems follow (statista.com, 2020). Realtors use XR allowing buyers to view and experience properties without being physically present. Interior designers and architects also experiment with their designs and can avoid mistakes. The comfort of seeing a whole house while living in a another city or even in a different country and seeing the harmony of the furniture with the interior design of the house will be a great breakthrough for the real estate sector (logicsimplified. com, 2022). As an example, IKEA's latest mobile app, IKEA Place, uses XR to make a profound impact on the way we shop for furniture at home. Those who want to shop through the mobile application can choose a product from the catalog and place digital furniture anywhere in the room. The selected product is quickly fitted to the specified area (viget, 2017).
Metaverse offers a completely different experience for customers/users to co-create experiences in the retail industry and to better design services, increase customer engagement, and strengthen communication. The product types offered by Metaverse retailing span a range from virtual digital to digital for offline to purchasing real-life physical items for use (Gadalla et al., 2013). There is a direct link between the recent increase in NFT (Non-Fungible Token) sales and Metaverse. Many artifacts sold as NFTs are protected in the digital worlds. These works will be exhibited in the Metaverse universes in the future and will be sold by auction. In the Metaverse universe, these digital artworks are put up for sale by signing contracts and transferring money securely, thanks to blockchain technology. Through blockchain-based smart contract mechanisms, metaverse service providers can manage and automate complex interactions between various entities in the Metaverse, such as users and digital content creators (Nguyen et al., 2021). Recently, it is on the agenda to get a collection of virtual terrain, marketplace, avatar or NFT in different metaverse universes. Within the scope of the metaverse, two different universes are created, either a copy of the real world or independent of the world. Decentraland, the first fully decentralized virtual world, is controlled by computer codes through the Decentralized Autonomous Organization, which owns smart contracts and assets (decentraland.org, 2022). Next Earth is the only blockchain-based virtual land ownership platform on a full copy of the world. On the Next Earth platform, one can instantly buy and sell digital land and land NFT collections in a non-intermediary, NFT-based, transparent manner. Next Earth has three land types: water, urban and non-urban (nextearth.io, 2022). Decentraland Company has implemented Metaverse in real estate by combining virtual reality and blockchain technology. Decentraland has made it possible to buy land, a virtual real estate, using the cryptocurrency MANA. Users can freely place buildings on land purchased from Decentraland, generate income by adding billboards to buildings, or hold exhibitions by collecting rare digital content. These unique assets are made through smart contracts that enable decentralized autonomous organization, transactions regarding stocks, bonds, loans, mortgages, smart property (Jeon et al., 2021). Samsung plans to enter the metadata warehouse by opening a store in Decentraland (MANA).
The company will open the shop for a limited time to offer users unusual digital adventures. Named Samsung 837X in reference to the physical store located at 837 Washington Street, it will still be open for a limited time. The purpose of this store is to offer digital adventures to its users. Users will be able to join a game to get NFT and wearable's. It has also been noted that these NFTs will be available in limited quantities (medium.com, 2022). . These platforms act as virtual reality platforms that allow users to create content and applications, create, experience and monetize digital assets in the form of a game, interacting without violating personal data, powered by the Ethereumblockchain.

CONCLUSION:
There has been a general rise in digital literacy levels with the increase in internet infrastructure and usage, the number of people using technological devices and digital applications. As the level of digital literacy increases, the journey from physical to virtual has become more reliable, understandable and usable. Innovative applications such as the metaverse of the digital age have been met by millions of people. Firms engaged in physical merchandising activities (Samsung, Zara, Ikea etc.) have opened virtual stores. Game companies have provided a stronger connection between reality and virtuality in online games, allowing players to move more freely. Thanks to the metaverse applications of the pandemic in business, shopping, education, sports, social, cultural and artistic activities in cities, a new experience has been experienced. In parallel with the increase in the internet infrastructure and usage, the number of people using technological devices and digital applications, there has been a general increase in people's digital literacy levels. As the level of digital literacy increases, the journey from physical to virtual has become more reliable, understandable and usable. Firms engaged in physical merchantdising activities (Samsung, Zara, Ikea, etc.) have provided users with a unique experience with the virtual stores they opened in different metaverse universes. Game companies have provided a stronger connection between reality and virtuality in online games, allowing players to move more freely. Due to the pandemic, participation in cultural and artistic activities where people participate collectively has decreased significantly all over the world. With Metaverse applications, a new experience has been experienced in business, shopping, education, sports, social, cultural and artistic activities in cities. Metaverse applications have radically transformed property relations. It has been possible to purchase and lease real estate from different metaverse universes. Establishing a world-independent virtual universe (Decentraland) and real-world lands and NFTs can be rented or purchased again virtually (Next Earth) over the metaverse. Metaverse applications are seen as a blessing of the new age. However, as with all digital applications, it is also concerned that it will pose a risk due to personal privacy and data security.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
I would like to thank the authors of the literature sources I have used in this article.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:
The author of the article has no conflict of interest with any institution or person.