Investigation of the socioeconomic status of female entrepreneurs in the provincial center of the TRA2 region with a geographical perspective

TRA2 is a geographic code created to describe Ağrı, Kars, Iğdır and Ardahan in the north east of the Eastern Anatolia Region. The purpose of creating such a geographical code is to make decisions regarding the whole region in a certain systematic manner in investments that will ensure the development of provinces that are socially and economically similar. The main purpose of this thesis is to investigate the level of exposure of women who are entrepreneurs, that is, who want to start their own business, in the provinces of the TRA2 region, to the geographical conditions that are effective in the region. In the aforementioned geographical conditions, especially the cultural geography conditions will be prioritized. In particular, it is aimed to investigate the effect of geographical conditions on the patriarchal way of thinking, which is often an obstacle for women in working life. Field studies and qualitative data collection tools (observation, group interview, semi-structured interview) were used as a method in the research. In addition, statistical data were obtained from the chambers of commerce and tradesmen of the provinces of the TRA2 region. Another data collection tool used in the research is literature review. Obtained sources were analyzed by document analysis method. Regional maps were also used for the distribution principle, which is the basic principle of geography. Since the qualitative and quantitative data are examined together, the mixed method design of the study is evaluated. Located in the northeast of Turkey, the TRA2 region is under the influence of the harsh continental climate and the landforms are quite rugged. Due to these conditions, economic development remained at low rates in the region where investment was low. Therefore, employment in the region is one of the most important problems. The economic backwardness of the region not only caused the current population to migrate, but also reduced the interaction of the remaining population with different cultures. In this case, the traditional structure has survived until today with little or no change. One of the most distinctive features of the traditional structure of the region from the modern structure is its perspective on women. The patriarchal way of thinking is still active in the region. All these reasons made it difficult for women to enter the working life in the region.