Spatial segregation on the basis of urban poverty: The case of Hatay/Dag (Aydinlikevler) neighborhood

Poverty is one of the leading global problems encountered in every stage of history. When evaluating the multidimensional problem of poverty, it is a humanitarian problem that cannot be considered only as an economic problem. Especially nowadays, with increasing urbanization and the concentration of the poor population in the city, regardless of underdeveloped or developed countries, is seen as a serious threat in the globalizing world. Therefore, it is important to frame the problem well and to examine it clearly in all its dimensions. Spatial segregation, which is a dimension of urban poverty, which expresses the urban-specific state of poverty, also expresses the separation from the whole, beyond the differentiation of the socio-cultural aspects of the social segments living in the city. With this aspect, spatial segregation poses a serious problem in the way of social integration in cities. With the urban transformation and restructuring policies implemented in recent years, it is desired to prevent spatial segregation. However, the fact that the arrangements made are in sizes that the poor can not afford causes the already economically deprived individuals to be separated from each other in socio-cultural terms and live disconnected from each other. Therefore, the phenomenon of urban poverty should be analyzed in a very healthy way in the context of spatial segregation, which has a multifaceted effect in the social structure. In this study, the effect level and results of urban poverty on spatial segregation are evaluated. Within the scope of the study, in which the effects of poverty on individuals are also examined, Dağ (Aydınlıkevler) Neighborhood of Hatay's Antakya district was taken as an example. In order to determine the sense of belonging of the individuals living in the neighborhood towards the city and the reflection of the state of poverty on the space, questions were asked in semi-structured interview format to 95 Turkish citizens residing in the neighborhood. In addition, the observations and visual materials made by the researcher during the study are data collection tools used to support the study. The study is also important in that it is the first study conducted specifically in the city within the scope of the poverty profiling of the neighborhood and closely witnessing the methods of coping with the difficulties faced by individuals who are described as the urban poor in order to continue their lives. The findings obtained within the scope of the study are that poverty plays a major role in the selection of residential areas, cities are considered as areas of salvation from poverty, poverty brings with it a series of social problems, and actors playing a role in the fight against poverty should undertake more effective and productive projects. KEYWORDS City, Urban Space, Poverty, Urban Poverty, Spatial Segregation, Antakya, Dağ (Aydınlıkevler) Neighborhood