Urbanization in mountainous lands : The sample of (Diyarbakir) Kocaköy

Kocakoy is located in the Dicle part of Southeastern Anatolia Region. The town, situated in the northeast of Diyarbakir, is surrounded by Hazro in the east, by Hani and Dicle in the northeast, by Egil in the west and by Mermer town in the south. Kocakoy, administratively, is a district of Diyarbakır. Its municipal organization was established in 1976, and in 1990 it had its identity under the name of Kocakoy. The town having an area of 151 km2 has 12 villages and 9 quarters. Considering the land forms of Kocaköy, we can see that it has land both in Diyarbakir basin and in Taurus, and this indicates that the climate is affected by both the winds from mountainous lands as well as the basin. Kocakoy, which lies on the slopes facing south of anticlinal where the Tauruses start to fold, is a land that has been settled since ancient times. Caves, mounds, and many more historic ruins prove it. In 2012 the total population was 16 312. Of this number is 10,370 inhabitants are of the rural population, while 5942 is that of the town's. Kocakoy's young population is huge. The biggest reason for this is the increase in the birth rate. The most important agricultural product of the town, whose economy is based on agriculture and animal husbandry, is wheat and ovine husbandry activities are at a maximum level. The town, which is established on the Diyarbakir-Bingol way and 3 kms west of the highway, is far from Diyarbakir city and therefore it is badly affected in terms of the development. The fact that the town is situated on a mountainous area and has a rugged construction has restricted the expansion of economic activities and has prevented the enlargement. Additionally, the problem of terrorism that has gone on for decades in the region has affected all the economic activities negatively (agriculture, livestock, industry, tourism, education, trade, etc..). Key Words: Geography, Kocaköy, District, Southeast, Taurus, Diyarbakir Basin, Transportation, Livestock