Abstract:

Urbanization is one of the study fields of human geography and the studies regarding the examination of the causes and effects of urbanization movements and the analysis and interpretation of the geographical view depending on the urbanization movements draw attention. One of the main reasons for this is that the world population has rapidly started to live in the cities. Various factors are influential in the acceleration of urbanization. One of these factors is universities. In this study, the functional change of Gazimağusa which was among the most important port towns and tourism centers of Cyprus before 1974 was tried to be examined. In other words, the aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the urbanization process of Gazimağusa, which has become a university town in recent years, and the Eastern Mediterranean University. The contribution made to the city’s demographical structure and development by the Eastern Mediterranean University, which was established in 1986 and transformed Gazimağusa into a university town, and which has students from many parts of the world, especially from Turkey and some Middle Eastern countries, will be studied. The spatial change was determined by supporting the data obtained through literature review and field study with the statistical documents. The data obtained through field study were transferred to maps and interpreted. The developmental process of the population was examined with the charts formed with using especially the data regarding the population and then the population pyramid was established and annual population growth was calculated. The spatial change was tried to be analyzed by correlating the map which indicated the process of urban development with the development process of the university. In conclusion, it was found out that the establishment of Eastern Mediterranean University affected both the spatial change of Gazimağusa and the life style in the city; that after 1986 the main factor determining the development direction of the city was the university; that it diversified social and economic activities and that the activities directed to satisfy the students’ basic needs, especially accommodation, developed depending on the university.

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