URBAN IDENTITY OF BALIKESİR

43897

Cities are settlements with identity. These identities are the sum of differences and occur over time. Globalization processes operatetowards creating cities with similar characteristics. For this reason, the identity of the cities started to disappear. In this study, components of Balıkesir urban identity are examined. In the study, urban identity components of Deniz (2004) and Solak (2014) were used to analyze the components of urban identity. Urban image elements of Lynch (1960) are used for artificial environment components. These were obtained by draft map technique. As a result, it is seen that Balıkesir city identity has many features. Balıkesir is a city built on the plain. Service, trade and manufacturing functions are at the forefront in the city. Wholesale and retail trade is the most important sub-sector in terms of employment. Balıkesir is a settlement with a military identity. Landmarks are the most important image elements of the city. From this point of view, Gar building stands out. Milli Kuvvetler Avenue emerges as the most important road in Balıkesir. Urban image elementsgathered close to this area. Public Transport Center (TTM) is important as an intersection. Paşaalanı and Terminal emerges as region. Railway is the edge element. There are also structures belonging to the Republican period in the city. However, these are little or no shown in draft maps. The same feature exists in structures with cultural functions. Apart from Höşmerim and Cologne, sea, fish, olives, Mount Ida, Manyas Bird Sanctuary, thermal springs, Seyit Corporal are the identity elements located in remote surroundings.

374

City , Identity , Balıkesir City

International Journal of Geography and Geography Education

399

International Journal of Geography and Geography Education