Rural development policies of the planned period in Turkey with historical perspective (1963-2019)

Development is the process of material and spiritual improvement of social life with the change of economic and social structure.Rural development is one of the most important concepts related to development. Mostly agriculture and animal husbandry activities are carried out in rural areas. There is no division of labor and specialization in these regions. Rural areas are regions that constantly migrate due to limited job opportunities and financial difficulties. Rural development is all activities aimed at improving the conditions that negatively affect social life in these regions. The share of local dynamics in the national development process is increasing day by day. In this study, rural development policies adopted by Turkey in the planned period were evaluated. During the study, document scanning method was used. Within the scope of the study based on the 1963-2019 period, development plans, government and political party programs, election declarations, national programs and projects were examined in terms of rural development policies. With this study, Turkey's rural development adventure has been examined with a historical depth. The present of rural areas has been revealed and recommendations for the policies of the future have been made. Although rural development policies have changed over time, Turkey has not been able to achieve the desired transformation in rural areas. Although each plan has similar aims, instability is in question. Policies were not pursued persistently and their results were not followed. Legislation on rural areas is insufficient and far from current requirements. Rural development should not be considered only as a service delivery or agricultural policy. The changing social structure and individual expectations should be taken into account. Global problems such as epidemic and war have reminded all countries of the world how important it is to be a "self-sufficient country". Turkey will be able to realize the desired transformation in rural areas if it adopts a multi-sectoral, comprehensive and long-perspective rural development approach as a state policy.