Abstract:

Coastal settlements generally have distinctive geographical characteristics than the other types of settlements. The change observed in such settlements is related to utilization strategy of the coastal environment. Directing the urbanization process, coastal change causes a dynamic architectural and urban transformation. Drawing a border and playing a threshold role, coastal zones are important in the change of settlement’s identity. Coastal changes and its affects in the identity of settlements are discussed in this study in case of Karşıyaka which a coastal district of Izmir, the third biggest city of Turkey with a population of four million. Karşıyaka has changed from a relatively small holiday resort of the early 20th century into a metropolitan area as a part of the city of Izmir. In this study, change of coastal Karşıyaka was examined basing on interviews with the locals, literature overview and sources in the Karşıyaka Municipality Archive.    Keywords: Coast, Change, Evolution, Coast Usage and Structures, Coast and Cityfolk Relationship