Turkey and Its Urban Settlements: Post #2

Turkey and It's Urban Settlements

     Geographers have always taken a special interest in cities. They are seen as “...the fast-paced centers of deep and widespread economic, political, and cultural change” [1]. Most often, urban settlements are defined by a large population living in a small area. This is exemplified by Istanbul, Turkey's largest city. In fact, it currently ranks as the city with the fifth largest population in the world. Location is a huge factor in why a city is formed, and Istanbul has one of the best. The city is located between three bodies of water: the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosphorus. This provides protection from invaders as well as giving Turkey a trading hub capable of reaching Europe, Asia, and even parts of Africa.

Figure 1: A map showing the major cities of Turkey.

     Another marker for an urban settlement is cultural exchange. In an area with so many people, it is hard not to trade foods, clothing, ideas, and beliefs. In the capital city Ankara, over 90% of its inhabitants identify as Muslim, but there has been a steady increase in religious minorities over the years. Culturally diverse foods can be found throughout the city. One street will have a locally owned Turkish restaurant, the next will have a McDonalds. The cultural exchange is not limited to Ankara either. Turkey is a great destination for tourists, bringing in new ideas from all over the world. Turkey also has a thriving film industry. In fact, three James Bond movies were filmed on location in Istanbul. Also, with baklava and Turkish textiles being exported at unprecedented numbers, it's prudent to note the exchange of culture goes both ways with Turkey.

The Grand Bazaar is a popular attraction for tourists and is a great place for cultural exchange.

     Turkey is a beautiful country with several thriving urban areas. These cities have great physical locations, as well as deep connections to the surrounding areas. Goods and culture are exchanged in equal measure. These factors make Turkey a wonderful country to study if one wishes to learn more about urban geography.

Works Cited

Howard, Douglas A. The HIstory of Turkey. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 2001. Print.

"Wonderful Istanbul - Istanbul From a Birds Eye View" Wonderful Istanbul - Istanbul From a Birds Eye View. Web. 15 Sept. 2014. <http://english.istanbul.gov.tr/Default.aspx?pid=294>.

Figures

Figure 1: A map showing the major cities of Turkey. Illustration. http://4photos.net/blog/amazing-photo-of-turkey-city/, August 6, 2012

Figure 2: The Grand Bazaar is a popular attraction for tourists and is a great place for cultural exchange.  Photograph. http://www.touropia.com/, September 19, 2014

[1] Rowntree, Lester. Globalization and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008.

[2] Benmayor, Gila. "Hurriyet Daily News | Archive News Detail."Hurriyet Daily News | Archive News Detail. 2 July 2010. Web. 15 Sept. 2014.