An Analysis of the Urbanization Process from the Republican Period to Present: The Case of Odunluk Neighborhood in Nilüfer District, Bursa Province


Küçük A. İ., Bal Y.

Gazi University Journal of Science Part B: Art Humanities Design and Planning , vol.12, no.3, pp.477-493, 2024 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

Abstract

Urban areas constantly transforming and it is usually challenging to preserve heritage during

transformation. As a historical city that went through a rapid growth period, Bursa sets an

example to that. Bursa is an ancient city that hosted various civilizations throughout history.

During the Republican Era, Bursa itself grew and expended. Especially starting from the second

half of 20th century, Bursa’s population increased through migration and the city entered a

rapid industrialization era. Built principally on the east-west axis, the city continued to expend

mainly towards West. Such growth transformed especially Nilüfer district, situated on the West

of the center. Odunluk is a neighborhood in Nilüfer district which transformed during this

process. This work focuses on architectural, urban and spatial transformation of Odunluk during

the first century of Turkish Republic. The change was analyzed through photographs, satellite

images, records and maps of the area. Building density and buildings’ architectural properties

were seen to have drastically changed. Therefore, Odunluk’s transformation was compiled in

four main dimensions: materials, building height, density and housing typology. These four

critera were determined as the most relevant and basic indicators of change in the area. Having

transformed in all four dimensions, Odunluk no longer holds its ancient, rural heritage and it has

become a new, central urban zone.