Assessing the Evolution of Urban Sprawl Density Over a Century, Konya, Türkiye

The year 2023 represents a 100-year period of becoming a country for Türkiye. This study examines the urban sprawl evolution of Konya in Turkey over a century of urbanization. The sprawl process is assessed through the analysis of urban plans from 1923, 1945, 1967, 2000, and 2023 using (1) density calculation derived from the population divided by built-up cells and (2) density calculation utilizing Inverse S function based on land use data. Considering the calculated densities, the city's evolution over a hundred years is examined concerning evolving regulations land use decisions, and growth trajectories. The existing conditions, encompassing both the advantageous and disadvantageous facets of urban sprawl, are examined using SWOT analysis, and spatial development strategies for the future are devised. As a result, it has been determined that Konya has undergone urban sprawl in certain directions irregularly, attributed to transportation-focused planning decisions, deviating from human-scale and compact urban development.