The Population, settlement and economical activities in Devrek

SUMMARY Thesis of High Master's Degree The Population, Settlement and Economical Activities in Devrek Hulusi KARAGEL The University of Fırat The Institute of Social Science The Deparment of Geography Devrek is situated in the south of the city Zonguldak in the west Blacksea Region. The population in the rural area increased between 1927 and 1985 and has decreased after that time. The population of the city on the other had increased slowly till 1965 and began to increare rapidly after 1965. The main factor causing the increase in the town population is the military base in the town. While it was a the trade and agricultural town till 1970, Now is a town with a growing service sector beside trade. In the history Devrek became a settlement area for Romans, Bizantians, Selcuks and Ottomans. There are a city center, two towns, 430 district and 77 villages. Economic activities are various in the provience while trade and industry are comman in the city and towns, mining, forestry and gardening are essential activities in the rural area. KEY WORDS: Devrek, population, setlement, economical activities, district, mining, forestry. n