An Analysis of the Urbanization Process from the Republican Period to Present: The Case of Odunluk Neighborhood in Nilüfer District, Bursa Province

Urban areas constantly transforming and it is usually challenging to preserve heritage during transformation. As a historical city that went through a rapid growth period, Bursa sets an example to that. Bursa is an ancient city that hosted various civilizations throughout history. During the Republican Era, Bursa itself grew and expended. Especially starting from the second half of 20th century, Bursa’s population increased through migration and the city entered a rapid industrialization era. Built principally on the east-west axis, the city continued to expend mainly towards West. Such growth transformed especially Nilüfer district, situated on the West of the center. Odunluk is a neighborhood in Nilüfer district which transformed during this process. This work focuses on architectural, urban and spatial transformation of Odunluk during the first century of Turkish Republic. The change was analyzed through photographs, satellite images, records and maps of the area. Building density and buildings’ architectural properties were seen to have drastically changed. Therefore, Odunluk’s transformation was compiled in four main dimensions: materials, building height, density and housing typology. These four critera were determined as the most relevant and basic indicators of change in the area. Having transformed in all four dimensions, Odunluk no longer holds its ancient, rural heritage and it has become a new, central urban zone.