Abstract:

The aim of this study is to reveal the political functions of cities, which are the threshold of civilization, in the context of Turkey. The subject, in light of previous studies, has been discussed in a theoretical framework. The cities, as the center of political work, also led the establishment of democratic values. Urbanization is a process that involves economic, social, cultural and political transformations and is a phenomenon that significantly affects the process of social change. Cities that have become the center of political work and development have profoundly affected national politics. Cities are also the areas where the democracy culture is gained. With globalization, local governments have gained importance, and therefore the political functions of the cities have also diversified and increased. Urbanization in Turkey has accelerated after the 1980s, parallel to economic, technological, political, social and cultural developments; in the 2000s, two-thirds of the population has begun to live in cities. Especially in the big cities, due to the development of capitalism, the traditional bonds have become even stronger, and individuals have turned to ethnic and religious communities instead of liberating. Traditional political structure, institutions and relations have continued in the cities; the city governments have gained an appearance of controlling, using and distributing important resources. Since the parties with political power in Turkey often have city governments, this situation has made the city administration open to the political influence of the central administration; it has led to "partizantic" approaches in the relations between the city administration and the central administration. Such behaviors have influenced the political structure, work and attitudes in cities. The disputes and conflicts between the city administration and the central administration have also brought together the debate on autonomous and democratic city administration. In short, while urban culture changes political behaviors, urbanization has led to the concentration of political work and the establishment of democratic values.

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