Factors affecting the urbanization process and urban development in İzni̇k

From the past to the present, topographic conditions, fertile land, suitable climatic conditions, favorable areas for transportation and defense are important in choosing the location of the cities. Located in the Southern Marmara Section of Marmara Region İznik, has a long history of settlement due to its geographical conditions. The fact that it has been the capital of many states throughout history, as well as being a religious center, scientifıc and cultural center, is among the advantages of its geographical location. Since its establishment, the roads leading to military, commercial and holy cities passed through İznik, has provided many advantages in terms of transportation. İznik is always remarkable in terms of its historical texture and richness of its cultural past. İznik, which is surrounded walls on four sides, has preserved its grid plan from the time it was founded to the present and has housed many different cultures. Although the lake was effective in the city plan of the İznik, walls were more effective in the development of the city and the plan inside the wall was preserved. İznik, which was settled in the city wall from the period of its establishment until the 1980s, moved out of the city wall with the effect of both population growth and summer housing and agricultural activites. At this point, the city has expanded in the north and south directions in the 1990s and 2000s. Today, the city of Iznik continues its urban development on fertile agricultural lands. In addition to animal husbandry and forestry activities, industry is developing rapidly in our study area. These activities played an important role in the development of the city. Iznik Lake Basin contains various features in itself. Activities such as summer residences built near the lake shore, increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and lack of control of solid wastes endanger Lake İznik. As a matter of fact, tourism activities, which are important for the development of the city, have not developed much. The aim of study is to examine the urban development process in İznik, which overflows out of the city walls, in terms of both positive and negative effects and consequences. The study was prepared by interviewing the urban development process in İznik and the main problems that occurred as a result, field studies and authorized persons.