Migration mobility in the district of Kapaklı

This thesis aims to examine the migration mobility experienced in the Kapaklı district of Tekirdağ province through its sociological, economic, and spatial dimensions. In recent years, internal migration dynamics in Türkiye have intensified alongside industrialization, particularly concentrating in certain cities and districts within the Marmara Region. Kapaklı has become a major destination for migration due to rapid industrial investments and a growing labor market. Within this framework, the study analyzes the reasons for migration, demographic profiles, levels of integration into urban life, and the main challenges faced by incoming individuals through data obtained via surveys. The findings indicate that the primary drivers of migration include unemployment, low living standards, family reunification, and the influence of social networks. It is observed that the majority of migrants have low educational attainment and are employed in blue-collar occupations. Additionally, various problems have been identified in areas such as access to public services, housing, and social integration. The results are evaluated within the framework of migration theories, showing strong consistency with the push–pull factors approach, migration networks theory, and the new economics of labor migration. The study emphasizes the necessity for local governments to develop inclusive policies that take migration into account and reveals that Kapaklı's future urban structure should be shaped in line with these dynamics.