Visual solutions on the relationship between geographical structure and landscape painting: The case of Malatya

BATTAL, Mehmet, Visual Solutions on the Relationship Between Geographical Structure and Landscape Painting: The Case of Malatya, Master's Thesis, Malatya, 2026. This research focuses on the representation of geographical structure in landscape paintings and examines the structural relationship between art and nature in a multifaceted way. It can be said that landscape depiction throughout history is not only an aesthetic element but also a reflection of geographical knowledge and perception. The formal characteristics of geographical structure have directly influenced artists' approaches to landscape composition. Natural elements such as mountains, rivers, and valleys have contributed to painting both formally and in terms of content. In this research, how geographical structure prepares the ground for aesthetic interpretations and how this relationship has transformed at different times is examined through a systematic structural analysis. The aim of the research is to reveal the role of geographical structure in the artist's perception and production process and to demonstrate that landscape painting is not only an artistic production but also a geographical narrative form. This research was conducted using a qualitative research method, and a literature review was carried out to obtain data. The research consists of four sections: The first section includes headings such as the problem statement, problem sentence, sub-problems, research objective, research significance, and research methodology; the second section deals with the geographical structure and the geography of Malatya; and the third section examines the place of geographical structure in the history of painting. Finally, the fourth section examines two works produced by the researcher during the master's degree coursework and ten painting applications carried out within the scope of the thesis. As a result of the research, it was determined that the geographical structure directly affects the artist's perception of space. Furthermore, it was understood that the natural environment shaped by Malatya's topographical structure and climatic conditions offers a characteristic aesthetic language in landscape painting. This language both carries regional characteristics and offers a field of expression compatible with the principles of universal landscape art.