Spatial effects of immigration from the Balkans to Anatolia (A case of Bulgarian immigrants in Bursa)

Because the movements of immigration have several effects on the place, they are also involved in the study field of geography. The purpose of this study which is in line with the basic rules and principles of this field of science is to reveal the spatial effects of immigration originating from Bulgaria within the borders of Bursa-Osmangazi. Bursa was one of the main cities for Bulgaria born Turkish people who had to immigrate from the land where they had lived for centuries due to political reasons and where they settled in Turkey, which they regarded as their homeland. Thus, they led to some spatial effects in there. This thesis study was developed with mixed research design using both qualitative and quantitative data. In addition, ethnographic method, one of the qualitative research method and structured interview method in the field studies were used. This study aimed at investigating the effects of immigration originating from Bulgaria on population, settlement pattern, economy, society, and culture. In this direction, the relevant literature was examined, the data on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were scanned, and interviews were carried out with the participants who were determined via carrying out different field studies. Content analysis of the data was carried out and they were visualized with tables, graphs, and maps. The immigrations originating from Bulgaria were a mass immigration that occurred by necessity and thus caused some changes on the number and structure of the population in Osmangazi. In addition to this, new settlements were constructed as a result of the movements of immigration. Another effect of immigration on settlements was that Bulgarian place names were used as the names of settlements. In terms of economy, they had some effects on the development of many sectors involving mainly agriculture and industry, starting to use lands that were not used before, and gaining qualified labour force. Considering social and cultural structure, it was determined that there were not any local organizations founded by the Bulgarian immigrants in the work site, but it was determined that they were culturally compatible with Bursa in terms of.