Abstract:

TThe reflections of cultural geography are manifested in geographical landscape in various ways. One of these is the death landscapes or the geography of deaths, which is called necrogeography within the scope of religious geography. Necrogeography, which deals with the study of areas associated with the dead, mostly covers cemeteries, which are among the dominant elements of the landscape in today's urban or rural phenomenon. In this study, cemeteries in the necrogeography of Istanbul, a densely settled and populated city, are discussed. In addition to general evaluations, the appearance and distribution of cemeteries in space were examined, and the suitable places of Istanbul for the opening of new graves were analyzed. Maps reflecting the distribution and characteristics of cemeteries in the province were produced through GIS. The maps suggesting new grave sites were based on regulations and some geographical criteria mentioned in the literature. It has been determined that there has been an increase in the filling rate of cemetery areas in recent years, especially due to the increase in mortality rates, and that the existing empty areas will be filled in a short time. This puts increasing pressure on the authorities to open new burial sites. It is also observed that cemeteries are spreading towards the outskirts of the city, and as new residential areas are opened in these areas, cemeteries are gradually becoming a part of the city landscape as a whole. In terms of landscaping, the cemeteries are almost like an oasis in the cultural geographical landscape of the city. In conclusion, the most important finding of the study is the space problem encountered in the opening or expansion of cemeteries in Istanbul due to its dense population and settlement. In this direction, it can be stated that there is a need for comprehensive new planning by the authorized institutions.

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