Transitioning from Artichoke Fields to a Peri-Urban Settlement: The Role of İzmir Katip Çelebi University

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15320/ICONARP.2025.318

Keywords:

Izmir, Peri-urbanisation, Rural-urban dynamics, Spatial change, University impact

Abstract

The rapid urbanisation experienced in Türkiye since the mid-20th century has dramatically reshaped the urban landscape. This transformation has been particularly evident through the phenomenon of peri-urbanisation, a process marked by the expansion of urban spaces without cohesive spatial development planning at various government levels. A notable misalignment exists between the decisions made at higher levels of governance, such as the siting of new university campuses, and the master plans implemented at local levels. This disconnect often results in urban environments that are unbalanced and fail to meet their intended purposes.

The present research focuses on the Balatçık neighbourhood in the Çiğli District of İzmir, where İzmir Katip Çelebi University has been established. This area exemplifies the socio-spatial changes induced by the integration of significant educational infrastructure into its peri-urban context. Initially a peripheral settlement, Balatçık has evolved into a complex urban area that straddles the identities of both a residential community and a university town. This case study aims to dissect the spatial transformations prompted by this development, exploring how the neighbourhood’s composition, demographic characteristics, and housing market dynamics have been altered with the following research question, what key factors have influenced the spatial transformation of Balatçık Neighbourhood from a rural settlement to a peri-urban area, particularly in relation to the development of a new university campus?

Utilising a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates statistical analysis, document review, semi-structured interviews, and field observations. Quantitative data was obtained from open-access sources, while qualitative insights were gathered through interviews (n=21) with residents, business owners, real estate agents, and local administrators. Thematic coding was employed for analysing collected data, revealing key socio-spatial patterns. Employing both quantitative and qualitative data, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of policy misalignment on Balatçık. By investigating these changes, the research seeks to offer insights into the broader implications of urban planning decisions in Türkiye. The findings are intended to inform future urban development strategies, emphasizing the need for coordinated planning across different governmental levels to foster balanced and purposeful urban growth.

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Author Biographies

Özge Erbaş Melis, Izmir Kâtip Çelebi University

Özge ERBAŞ MELIS is a lecturer in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at İzmir Katip Çelebi University. She earned her master’s degree from the University at Albany, SUNY in 2014, and completed her PhD at Newcastle University in 2019. Her research focuses on studentification and transportation.

Duygu Okumuş Prini, Bursa Technical University

Duygu OKUMUŞ PRINI completed her PhD at Newcastle University in 2018. She worked as an asisstant professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Bursa Technical University between 2018 and 2024. Currently, she continues her research in urbanism independently.

Yusuf İhsan Yılmaz, Izmir Kâtip Çelebi University

Yusuf İhsan YILMAZ graduated from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration in 2024. He aims to continue his academic career on urban governance and the dynamic relationship between political structures and urban development.

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Published

30-06-2025

How to Cite

Erbaş Melis, Özge, Okumuş Prini, D., & Yılmaz, Y. İhsan. (2025). Transitioning from Artichoke Fields to a Peri-Urban Settlement: The Role of İzmir Katip Çelebi University . ICONARP International Journal of Architecture and Planning, 13(1), 121–144. https://doi.org/10.15320/ICONARP.2025.318

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