From Pamukova to Karasu: The reclamation of marshes, rivers, and lakes in the Sakarya River Basin

With the Tanzimat reforms in the Ottoman Empire, which brought about administrative, financial, and social changes, there arose a need for new sources of revenue to support the state's economic development. One of these revenue sources was agriculture, the foundation of the Ottoman economy. In this context, reclamation efforts were undertaken to improve agricultural activities by draining marshes and rehabilitating rivers and lakes. Across the vast territories of Anatolia, Rumelia, and the Arabian Peninsula, reclamation projects converted marshlands into arable and settlement areas. These efforts also helped to combat malaria caused by marshlands, while rivers and lakes were adapted for transportation, communication, and agricultural irrigation. One such project was carried out in the Lower Sakarya River Basin. This study examines the reclamation of marshes, rivers, and lakes in the settlement areas of Pamukova (Akhisar), Geyve, Sapanca, Adapazarı, Akyazı, Hendek, and Karasu, as well as the environmental consequences of these reclamation activities. The research evaluates the contemporary environmental implications of the reclamation process in light of climate change and natural disasters. Furthermore, particular attention is given to problems arising from improper land use in a region situated on a first-degree earthquake zone. The study provides a detailed analysis of how these problems have exacerbated the destruction caused by earthquakes. This thesis utilizes Ottoman and Republican archival sources, alongside periodicals, reports from local and international experts, and documents from ministries and universities. Additionally, it incorporates scientific works from various disciplines such as geography, earth sciences, and environmental history, including books, theses, articles, and conference proceedings.