The theoretical and spatial di̇mensions of planetary urbanization: an analysis of Eskişehir's urbanization tendencies

Planetary urbanization refers to the transformations in the physical and socio-cultural structures of cities driven by the process of globalization. Increasing population, technological advancements, economic dynamics, and industrialization accelerate this process. This study examines the theory of planetary urbanization, introduced by Henri Lefebvre and further developed by Neil Brenner and Christian Schmid, and analyzes spatial transformations in Eskişehir within this theoretical framework. The research investigates spatial changes in Eskişehir between 2006 and 2024, revealing how the process of planetary urbanization has shaped both the city center and its peripheries. In this context, map and photographic analyses have been conducted, along with schematic sections and silhouettes, to examine the manifestations of planetary urbanization in selected areas of Eskişehir. By comparing the years 2006 and 2024, transformations in the urban fabric have been scrutinized. The study specifically addresses processes such as the financialization of urban spaces, the transformation of public spaces, and the expansion of construction into urban peripheries, assessing their impacts on the city. Adopting a critical approach to the transformations in Eskişehir's urban fabric, this study highlights the effects of planetary urbanization on urban planning. The findings contribute to the understanding of how global urbanization processes influence local space production.