Analysis of the human and economic geography of Merkezefendi and Pamukkale districts

The human and economic geography of the Merkezefendi and Pamukkale districts of Denizli province are examined in this study. In this study, geological features, geomorphological elements, climate, soil and vegetation in physical geography subjects have been examined in general. In the following sections, historical characteristics, population, settlement, industry, trade and tourism characteristics, which are the elements of human geography, are studied in the field based on physical geography. A large literature survey and field research was conducted for this purpose, and the maps were extracted by using remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS) in order to reveal the potential features of the central districts. However, since the site, which was the center of Denizli province until 2012, was transformed into two central districts with the Law No. 6360 and the Decree Law adopted on 12/11/2012, all the statistical data required from this date was obtained from public institutions. The study area is open to settlement since the Chalcolithic Period. The most important factor in the development of the region has been the suitability of the physical geography conditions. The abundant water resources in the environment shaped by the climatic conditions suitable for human life and the fertile agricultural areas have attracted people to these areas throughout history. The low altitude with the Denizli Plain and the soil enriched by the thick alluvium brought by the river enabled the agricultural product pattern to be diverse. In addition, the location of the field in the transition position between Central Anatolia and the Mediterranean Region has enabled the development of transportation, and the field, blended with all these features, has shown itself in the shaping of human life. Eleven companies in Denizli is among Turkey's top five hundred companies as of 2018 and in this sense Denizli has a very important place in the national economy. Pamukkale ruins were taken with both natural and historic properties on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1988, and not only in Turkey, but Pamukkale is also one of the world's important tourism destinations. Tourism enterprises at European standards built in Karahayıt and Pamukkale, where thermal water resources are rich, serve both domestic and foreign guests. In addition to all these strengths, the dense population in the field since 1950 caused unplanned urbanization and this situation manifested itself as air and water pollution. The opening of agricultural lands with the increasing population harms the agricultural potential of the area. The irregular urbanization that occurred has changed the silhouette of the city, and the historical buildings that make up the memory of the city have fallen victim to urbanization. Intense pollution occurred in the Büyük Menderes River, which gave life to the field with the increasing industrial activities, affected the agricultural lands. The future of the city will be threatened if the necessary arrangements and programs suitable for the increasing population are not made to eliminate this negative situation.