ŞEHİR COĞRAFYASI AÇISINDAN BİR İNCELEME: AYVALIK

Abstract

Our study subject, city of Ayvalık is located south-end of Edremit Bay in the northern of Aegean Region of our country. The city became one of the most well-known settlement areas of Mediterranean coasts with its commercial activity and wealth, its cultural and intellectual level within the second part of 18th century and 19th century.  Riots occurred from time to time damaged to the development of the city where different religions, languages and races lived together. Playing an important role in War of Independence, significant changes were observed in economical and social structure of Ayvalık after war. Total 35,986 persons live in the city which consists of 16 quarters. Within Ayvalık administrative management region, it serves to rural population of 26,424 in 17 villages including 9 villages connected to central township and 8 villages connected to Altınova township. Ayvalık city has different urban functions. Economical, administrative and cultural functions have been well developed in the city. 37.7 % of active population work in service area, 24.3 % in commerce, 16.7 % in industry and 6.8 % in agriculture. Agriculture has an important function in Ayvalık and its surrounding, industrial and commercial function has also developed depending on agriculture function.