21.07.2026 14:20
Research by the Turkish Economic Policies Research Foundation revealed that the growth directions of cities in Turkey have changed significantly. While Muğla expands westward, Balıkesir northward, and Konya southward, Isparta and Antalya have oriented eastward contrary to the general trend. The research also determined that the urban centers of gravity of Istanbul and Ankara have shifted northwestward.
According to the analysis of the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV), the growth directions of cities in Turkey changed significantly between 1975 and 2020. The research reveals that the center of gravity of many provinces shifted westward, while some cities showed notable movement in different directions.
44 PROVINCES EXPANDED WESTWARD
The analysis shared by Prof. Dr. Güven Sak, evaluating TEPAV data, highlighted urbanization trends in Turkey over the past 45 years. It was determined that the urban center of gravity of 44 provinces shifted westward due to migration, industrialization, transportation investments, and population growth.
MUĞLA TOPPED THE LIST
According to the research, the largest change westward occurred in Muğla. The city's center of gravity moved approximately 7.3 kilometers west, ranking first in Turkey in this regard.
BALIKESİR AND KONYA GREW IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS
Balıkesir stood out as the province with the greatest expansion northward, with a movement of approximately 7.5 kilometers. Konya, on the other hand, became the city with the most significant change in the southward direction, shifting about 4 kilometers south.
ISPARTA AND ANTALYA DEVIATED FROM THE GENERAL TREND
While westward growth was notable across Turkey, Isparta and Antalya in the Mediterranean region presented a different picture. The center of gravity of both provinces was found to have shifted approximately 5.5 kilometers eastward.
İSTANBUL AND ANKARA GREW ON THE NORTHWEST AXIS
The research also highlighted changes in Turkey's two largest cities. Istanbul's center of gravity shifted approximately 5.4 kilometers west and 3.3 kilometers north, while in Ankara, the movement was 2.9 kilometers west and 5.3 kilometers north. Thus, it was revealed that both metropolises have predominantly grown in the northwest direction over the past 45 years.