Analysis of the spatial development of Çekerek district's urban center based on zoning plans and aerial photographs

Cities, much like humans, are born, grow, and eventually decline. However, this process varies for each city due to its unique circumstances, the challenges it faces, and the resources it possesses. The processes of city establishment, expansion, and decline are influenced by both natural environmental factors and human activities. Notably, the role of natural events and human interventions becomes particularly evident in the decline of a city. In this context, examining the transformation processes of cities is crucial for understanding the stages they undergo and the paths they follow to reach their current state. This study focuses on the district of Çekerek, located in the Yozgat province of Turkey. Despite recent public investments that have drawn attention to the district, a review of the literature revealed a lack of studies addressing the spatial development of Çekerek. Given its proximity to the Hittite State, the district likely holds significant cultural and historical heritage. However, the absence of documentation on this heritage represents a noteworthy gap. Based on these findings, the study aims to analyze the spatial development of Çekerek district as its primary focus. As part of the study, accessible zoning plans and aerial photographs of the Çekerek district from its establishment onwards were collected. These materials were analyzed to interpret the district's developmental trajectory. The analyses provide a detailed evaluation of the district's spatial development, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of its growth and transformation.