Due to its inherently interdisciplinary nature, the field of urban planning has consistently faced various knowledge gaps, the resolution of which requires the application of approaches, foundations, methods, and tools from other disciplines. One of the most critical of these gaps is the absence of a coherent methodological framework to guide research in this field, particularly in relation to theory development. This article aims to address this gap to some extent. Based on the conducted analyses, a precise application of the foundations developed within the interdisciplinary studies domain can substantially mitigate this challenge. This domain aligns strongly with the interdisciplinary nature of urban planning and offers clear and reliable research methods and strategies for theory building.



Utilizing a qualitative interdisciplinary research process and adapting the process and methods of interdisciplinary studies to the context of foundational studies in urban planning, this study introduces a novel process for urban theory development in the country. According to the analyses and findings, interdisciplinary research that is qualitative, issue-/problem-driven, open-ended, and integrative holds the greatest potential for theory construction. Such research, if conducted through a four-stage process—namely:1-Defining the issue/problem and its interdisciplinary context, 2-Conducting disciplinary studies, 3-Integrating disciplinary insights to form an interdisciplinary understanding, and 4- Validating/establishing the credibility of the resulting interdisciplinary insight can lead to foundational theorization in urban studies and planning. The use of meta-synthesis methods, systematic reviews, and grounded theory within disciplinary research, along with redefinition or generalization techniques during the integration phase, plays a critical role in achieving this outcome.