The settlement characteristics of Bursa plain and its environs

Abstract

This study was carried out with the aim of investigating the physical and human geographical factors affecting the settlement characteristics of the Bursa Plain and its environs. Located in the northwest of Turkey, the study area contains one large city (Bursa) and thirty nine rural settlements. This research examines the change in settlement characteristics that have occurred within the study area from the past to the present. As a result of urbanization, the urban population is increasing, while the rural population and number of rural settlements are decreasing continuously. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of The 2nd International Geography Symposium-Mediterranean Environment