Spatial Reflections of Population Movements in Gokceada and Sustainable Tourism

Abstract

Since the foundation of the Republic of Turkey  Gokceada has experienced many population movements due to various internal and external factors. While some of the citizens of the Island who were the inhabitants of the traditional settlements left, they were replaced by new dwellers. This transformation in the population undoubtedly has paved the way for certain changes in the cultural and spatial structure. Besides all these changes, the demand for tourism in the Island has increased recently. Yet, there is a general expectation that the unique natural beauty and historical heritage of the Island should be preserved, and for this reason the quality of tourism has an immense significance in terms of preserving its natural areas, and its history as a social memory. In this study, population movements have occurred since  the foundation of the Republic of Turkey is evaluated with respect to the preservation of the cultural heritage and sustainability of tourism. For this purpose, a literature search, an analysis of the population data and the assessment of field surveys have been carried out.

Notes

1. The name ‘Gokceada’ refers to both the Island itself and the only urban settlement of the Island. This name will refer to the urban settlement in the following sections of this article.

2. After 2007 the general population census system has been transformed to address-based population registration system in Turkey. The population that was included in the place where one is present during the census has been now included in the place where one resides.

3. The surveys conducted by 74 students under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr Sibel ECEMİŞ KILIÇ and Assist. Prof. Dr Muhammed AYDOĞAN, Res. Assist. Dr Mercan EFE, Res. Assist. Eylem BAL, Res. Assist. İrem AYHAN in June–July 2010 within the frame of Urban Research Training Programme at Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Urban and Regional Planning.