Urbanization in Turkey - 1

In traditional society, the process of urbanization, particularly in the Ottoman Empire, had a distinctive characteristic. The establishment, management, infrastructure, and social amenities of city centers were often carried out through endowments (waqfs). These endowments were created with the aim of addressing the needs of the community and contributing to the development of cities.

However, in the traditional societal structure, the composition of urban populations and their governance were subject to direct intervention by the state. The administration of cities and important administrative roles were typically determined based on proximity to the sultan. This situation had an impact on the classification of cities and the exclusion of economically significant non-Muslim classes from participating in these roles. In other words, those close to the sultan had a more influential role in city governance.

In this context, the development and administration of cities in the Ottoman Empire relied both on the contributions of endowments and on the proximity to the sultan's circle. This complex structure constituted a significant aspect of traditional society and played a noteworthy role in the historical evolution of the Ottoman Empire.

Transition from Traditional to Modern (Pre-Capitalist Era):

The onset of rural-to-urban migration due to state policies aimed at increasing central power and diminishing the importance of rural areas.

The disruption of the city's social and administrative structure caused by waves of migration due to the state's loss of land, leading to an increase in the Muslim majority and disproportionate growth of the impoverished segments of the population.

Efforts to develop administrative policies and institutions for constructing a new urban infrastructure in line with the requirements of the modern era, replacing traditional structures with modern institutions, and having the infrastructure prepared by the superstructure.

Throughout the modernization period, the continuation of wars, fluctuations in birth and death rates among urban residents, and ongoing migrations have significantly impacted the demographic structure of cities.

The Low Urbanization Period:

During the Low Urbanization Period, which is characterized by the population exchange following the Treaty of Lausanne, the population decreased significantly in Turkey's western provinces, while the Muslim Turkish population became more homogeneous and increased. As a result of these demographic changes, policies aimed at increasing the population in cities were initiated. However, the pace of urbanization was quite slow, and the population of cities depended on birth and death rates. During the transition to modernization, rural-to-urban migration, which was encountered during this period, was not a significant factor affecting the urban population.

Urban Transformation: From Shantytowns to Apartment Buildings

Urban transformation refers to a process that begins with the establishment of shantytowns on the outskirts of cities, continues with their improvement and redevelopment into healthy housing, and culminates in the construction of apartment buildings. This transformation is closely related to changes in residential areas and the employment of the urban population in the economic sector.

As a result of rural-to-urban migration, people initially start living in shantytown neighborhoods. However, over time and depending on factors such as income levels and transportation conditions, they move from shantytown areas to apartment buildings while working in small-scale industries or service sectors located in or near the city center.

In the 1950s, informal employment was prevalent in major metropolitan cities, but in the 1970s, urban migration accelerated, leading to employment opportunities in the city center or nearby areas, particularly in small-scale industries and services. The process of urban transformation consists of several stages. It initially aims to improve living conditions in shantytown neighborhoods, followed by their transformation into healthy housing and redevelopment. 

This transformation is often driven by private sector initiatives, resulting from changes in housing demand due to income disparities. This gives rise to an phenomenon known as urban renewal.

After World War II, just like in the rest of the world, concepts such as human rights, democracy, and the welfare state gained prominence, making cities and urbanization more important. In Turkey, the adoption of liberal economic policies and the growth of industry led to the first intense and rapid urbanization in the country's history.

The pursuit of liberal economic policies and the increase in mechanization in agriculture due to subsidies from abroad initiated rural-to-urban migration. This rapid urbanization resulted in the inability to meet the housing needs of the growing population, leading to the emergence of shantytowns. During this period, resources allocated to meeting the housing demand in cities were insufficient due to the allocation of resources to World War II, contributing to unplanned urbanization.

As a consequence of this unplanned urbanization, there was a significant increase in the number of shantytowns, further contributing to the chaotic and unplanned growth of cities. The introduction of a legal amnesty for shantytowns led to a substantial increase in their numbers. This situation gave rise to the emergence of peripheral neighborhoods and exacerbated the unplanned expansion of cities.