Human and economic geography of Demre district

Antalya, with its geographical features and climatic conditions has been one of the important settlements that have mentioned its name in every period in Anatolia. Apart from its climate and natural beauty, the historical accumulation and cultural diversity of the region has made it possible to contain different elements. Demre, which meets these attractive elements at micro level and forms the working area, is one of the leading settlements in the agriculture and tourism of Antalya. The settlement, which is located in the southwest of Antalya Bay and east of Fethiye Bay, is located in a protected area surrounded by the Bey Mountains, the western end of the Taurus in terms of climate and landforms. It was established on top of alluviums caused by Demre Brook and continued its settlement on this fertile field. According to 2022 data, the acreage of the district is 382 km2 and the population is 27,691. The city, which is its major mainstay in agriculture, has remained behind in terms of tourism compared to other coastal settlements of Antalya. This situation is mainly because of the fact that the transportation conditions to the field are difficult. Rich in its natural beauty and in its cultural background, the district has served Orthodox Christianity for many years and formed one of its religious centers. The working area Demre will show the expected development in terms of quality and quantity as a result of the improvements to do. This study aims to reveal all the human and economic characteristics of the Demre, and to identify appropriately the first step of the planning for development to determine its potential. The fact that the field offers a wide cultural diversity besides its existing geographical advantages constitutes important attractiveness for the development of Demre. The research area was examined using qualitative research methods such as trip observation and descriptive analysis methods. SWOT analysis was applied to express the steps to be taken for the field more concretely and clearly. Negotiations about the field have been carried out with local people. Data were provided by Demre Municipality, District Agriculture Directorate, Population and Forestry Management Directorate, Demre Library, and also environmental district libraries. Attention has been paid to the explanation within a whole using the deductive model. In this way, the work obtained is aimed to be more qualified.