Settlement system and population mobility in Kurtalan

This thesis aims to examine how the settlement system in the Kurtalan district of Siirt province has been shaped by natural and human factors, and how this system interacts with population mobility. Analyzing the spatial distribution of settlement patterns in relation to socio-economic variables such as migration, employment, and education provides a crucial basis for regional planning and local development policies. The fieldwork was carried out in 13 neighborhoods and 54 villages within the Kurtalan district center. During the data collection phase, surveys were conducted with 75 individuals, and in-depth interviews were held with 20 participants. The research methodology is based on a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative dimensions. This approach enabled the identification of general trends through statistical data, as well as an in-depth analysis of individual experiences and perceptions. The findings indicate that the formation of the settlement system is influenced by both physical geography (topography, water resources, transportation) and socio-economic structures (occupation, education, social organization). According to the survey results, 84% of those involved in population mobility were male, while 16% were female. In terms of age distribution, the majority (72%) fell within the 31–50 age group, indicating that the economically active population is a key driver of migration trends. Regarding educational attainment, 45.3% of the participants had higher education degrees, 21.3% were high school graduates, 28% had completed primary education, and 5.3% were illiterate. This suggests that education level plays a significant role in migration behavior. Additionally, 89.3% of respondents were married, implying that family responsibilities influence migration decisions. Occupational distribution showed that 44% of participants worked in the education sector, 19% were self-employed, 16% worked in the public sector, 13% were engaged in agriculture and related areas, 3% were in industry and healthcare, and 2% were employed in construction. Of the 75 participants, 62 were employed, while 13 were not. These findings indicate the diversity of the local labor market and reveal that rural employment is largely sustained by agricultural activities. In general, the settlement system in Kurtalan presents a multi-layered structure shaped by both geographical conditions and socio-economic dynamics. Migration appears as both a consequence and a transformative force within this structure. Variables such as education, occupation, age, and gender play determining roles in migration, highlighting how spatial mobility is organized on both individual and societal levels. Based on the findings, it is recommended that local administrations and planning units develop employment-enhancing policies for rural areas in order to retain the young population in the district. Expanding educational opportunities in rural areas, promoting women's participation in the economy, and improving public transportation would contribute to a more balanced and functional settlement system. In conclusion, this research aims to reveal the interaction between the settlement system and population mobility in Kurtalan, contributing both to the academic literature and to local governance policies. Expanding the study in future stages with data from different periods and supporting it with comparative analyses will allow for a deeper understanding of the region's demographic and spatial transformation. Keywords: Settlement System, Population Mobility, Migration, Rural Settlement, Kurtalan District, Economic Activities.