مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - A GEOGRAPHICAL OVERVIEW OF CHARACTERISTICS ON RURAL SETTLEMENTS IN TRNC

Abstract :

Study area consists of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) located on northern part of Cyprus Island in Mediterranean. The subject of study is rural settlements. However the municipally organized rural settlements which have a much different structure from rural settlement characteristics were not included in this study. Because they are locate close to big cities. So they have a position as if they are a district of that city. Accordingly this study focuses on 126 villages. The distribution of rural settlements is grouped in accordance with various factors. This grouping was conducted on the basis of altitude steps, surface area size, forest and pasture land, population size and economic activities. Furthermore the physical and cultural factors and agricultural activities which had influence on the distribution of rural settlements were included as well. The main part of rural settlements has been weakened in terms of economy because of political uncertainty. Therefore some farmers have left their villages via migration. This situation has caused many problems. This study focuses on these problems and offers suggestions for deal with them.