The Rationale Behind Growth Patterns: Socio-Spatial Configuration of Izmir, Turkey 1700s - 2010

Abstract

Izmir, which the recent excavations have shown to be an 8000-year-old city, has gone through various stages in its development process. It was an important harbour city located on Turkey's west coast, triggering commerce between east and west. When the inner harbour was revitalized in the 17th century, trade activities increased and the city became an even more popular destination for Levantines1. By the 19th century, therefore, ̄zmir s morphology was defined by its cosmopolitan structure, especially where the historical centre emerged. The urban pattern changed drastically during the period between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20 century. In each period, intrinsic and extrinsic socio-spatial dynamics including natural and man-made disasters, planning decisions, and the exchange of Greek and Turkish immigrants determined the growth processes of the city. This study investigates the generative rules of Izmir's urban structure by looking at nine different periods based on intrinsic and extrinsic dynamics. These periods were chosen according to the availability of historical maps and data. We observed morphological changes throughout the 1700s and the years 1836, 1856, 1876, 1885, 1905, 1922, 1941, and 2010. In order to analyse urban transformation and growth processes coupled with underlying indicators, this study uses segment angular analysis. Socio-spatial dynamics are discussed for each period. This paper aims to reveal how intrinsic and extrinsic phenomena shape urban form in cities. By looking at a hybrid city like Izmir incorporating radial, orthogonal and organic patterns, this study tries to understand urban transformation over time using space syntax analysis.