Amenity-Based Economies, Turkey: A Case Study

Abstract

Amenity-based economics produces a variety of development patterns depending on policies, incentives, governance, amenities, conservation and infrastructure. This thesis will explore the relationship between rural amenities, natural and cultural conservation efforts, development patterns and economic vulnerabilities in three communities in the Çanakkale region of Turkey. Since the 1950s, most rural regions globally have experienced population decreases with the advancement of industrialization and technology. People migrated to the city and left the countryside behind. Recently, these urbanites have begun to visit or temporarily move back to the rural pastoral landscape for vacation, recreation, and retirement. The three case studies chosen for this thesis have a slight decline of agricultural industries and rapid increase in amenity-based economics, like tourism and second-home residents. This raised the question how this shift of industries effects the society and conservation of tangible and intangible resources. Each case study will examine new development patterns, land use, and the results from policies and incentives.