Sociological analysis of slow change in settlements: Case of Köyceğiz

Towns are settlements with their own unique structure and potentials such as agriculture, tourism, industry and trade. A rapid change period has started since the Republic, and some towns have stood out with one or more of these potentials under the influence of various dynamics resulting from the change process. Despite this rapid change, some towns are changing slowly, maintaining their current structure and status. Köyceğiz Town of Muğla Province is changing slowly and preserves its current structure, historical status and cultural texture. Köyceğiz has been the center of agriculture, trade, education and administration throughout the historical process. However, after 1980, two settlements previously connected to Köyceğiz were separated. They became district of their own and since have entered a rapid change process. In this study, the unique structure of Köyceğiz Town and the main dynamics underlying the slow change of Köyceğiz will be examined using quantitative and qualitative methods.