Transitioning from Artichoke Fields to a Peri-Urban Settlement: The Role of İzmir Katip Çelebi University

The rapid urbanisation experienced in Türkiye since the mid-20th century has dramatically reshaped the urban landscape. This transformation has been particularly evident through the phenomenon of peri-urbanisation, a process marked by the expansion of urban spaces without cohesive spatial development planning at various government levels. A notable misalignment exists between the decisions made at higher levels of governance, such as the siting of new university campuses, and the master plans implemented at local levels. This disconnect often results in urban environments that are unbalanced and fail to meet their intended purposes. The present research focuses on the Balatçık neighbourhood in the Çiğli District of İzmir, where İzmir Katip Çelebi University has been established. This area exemplifies the socio-spatial changes induced by the integration of significant educational infrastructure into its peri-urban context. Initially a peripheral settlement, Balatçık has evolved into a complex urban area that straddles the identities of both a residential community and a university town. This case study aims to dissect the spatial transformations prompted by this development, exploring how the neighbourhood’s composition, demographic characteristics, and housing market dynamics have been altered with the following research question, what key factors have influenced the spatial transformation of Balatçık Neighbourhood from a rural settlement to a peri-urban area, particularly in relation to the development of a new university campus? Utilising a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates statistical analysis, document review, semi-structured interviews, and field observations. Quantitative data was obtained from open-access sources, while qualitative insights were gathered through interviews (n=21) with residents, business owners, real estate agents, and local administrators. Thematic coding was employed for analysing collected data, revealing key socio-spatial patterns. Employing both quantitative and qualitative data, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of policy misalignment on Balatçık. By investigating these changes, the research seeks to offer insights into the broader implications of urban planning decisions in Türkiye. The findings are intended to inform future urban development strategies, emphasizing the need for coordinated planning across different governmental levels to foster balanced and purposeful urban growth.