The human and economic geography of Nazi̇lli district

The basic purpose of this study that called "Human and Economical Geography of Nazilli District" is to research the effects of natural environment on population, settlement and economical activities; to bring out the dispersal of human and economical activities in area. Natural surrounding conditions, dispersing and density of population and the kind of economical activities change in the plain areas that is nearly 60 m and mountainous blocks that reach 1600 m with these conditions the district is divided into two as different charecters as mountainous areas and low plain areas. The district is located in the middle of the basin of Büyük Menderes.The graben of Büyük Menderes which is one of the biggest grooves in Aegean Region's horst and graben system and geomorphological units that formed by high mountains, affect economical and human activities in the area considerably. Büyük Menderes is the longest river in the area. The drainage net is formed according to this river. However,except this river, there are also other brooks and sources that carrying water to Gediz and Küçük Menderes. Typical Mediterranean climate is seen in Nazilli district. The amount of average annual heat of Nazilli is 17,5 C and the amount of average annual rainfall is about 569.4 mm. However,there can be changes in amounts between mountainous areas and depressions. The settlement history of research area goes back to rather past. Big antique cities such as Nysa, Aphrodisias, Hierapolis, Tralles around the district show that it was located in important routes. Also, the antique cities Harpasa and Mastaura and also various tumuluses are the evidents that showing how the settlement was old. The population of the district, except the administrative changes, hasn't decreased in the Repuclic history. Also the district has become famous for as a settlement that people live long years by natural life and nutrition habits. The most important reason that draws the population to district is the economical variety. Especially, after the Sümerbank Factory had been set up, the district became an important attraction area. Thanks to positive effects of climate,agricultural activities go on along the year. Also, in addition to the developed servis sector, industry supplys important employment. Key Words:Geography, Human Geography, Economic Geography, Nazilli district