The human and economic geography of Pütürge district (Malatya)

Pütürge County takes place in upper Euphrates region in eastern Anatolia region, in the southeast borders of Malatya. Its area is 1181 km². The county is founded in a high area which is between Adıyaman plateau and Malatya plain in the southeast Taurus Mountains. Mountainous areas, plateaus, valleys constitute main geomorphologic units. Şiro stream and Karakaya Dam Lake are the most important hydrographic factors of Pütürge. The county?s annual average temperature is 12, 4 ºC. Pütürge, because of its morphography, gains a Mediterranean-terrestrial climate specialty.According to 2010 census, in villages 17634 people, in county centers 2628 people, and totally 20262 people live in Pütürge. The population of Pütürge generally decreases year by year. The people in the county, especially from 1950s, migrate to the big cities, especially to Istanbul. The population of the county consists of %52, 2 percent of woman and %47, 8 percent of man.Pütürge obtains its statue in n1892 and the number of emplacement increased until today. Today, Pütürge has 64 villages and 1 town. The emplacement position is generally scattered. In the county, Emplacement units take place between 700 m and 1700 m height. The main building material of the dwellings is stone. But, in recent years, brick pervades.The main economy facility of the county is agriculture. Growing apricot develops in recent years. Cereal and seed plants are the other herbal products. Breeding and transhumance actions lost their importance comparing to former years. But, in recent years, an inclination is seemed to the barn breeding and beekeeping. Agricultural production is for families? necessities. Economic action types, except agriculture, don?t develop enough, in Pütürge.The most important Tourism values of Pütürge are Nemrut monuments and natural wealth. Besides, Pütürge has an important organic agricultural potential. But, owing to many various causes, existing economic potential can?t be evaluated. With a holistic approach, a development program that relies on organic agriculture and tourism can be created.Key Words: Geography, Malatya, Pütürge, river Euphrates (Fırat), Karakaya Dam Lake, Şiro stream, Mount Nemrut, rural development.