Mapping Left-Behind Regions: A Classification of Regional Disparities in Türkiye

Abstract

This study examines regional disparities in Türkiye through the concept of "left-behind places," which has gained prominence in discussions on economic marginalization and political discontent. Despite the extensive literature on left-behind regions in the U.S., U.K., and Europe, Türkiye remains understudied. Using a Left-Behind Index (LBI) and K-means clustering analysis, this research identifies and classifies Türkiye’s NUTS2 regions based on long-term economic and demographic trends. The findings reveal persistent regional inequalities, characterized by an East-West divide and the economic underperformance of certain regions. Unlike Europe, where deindustrialization plays a crucial role, Türkiye’s left-behind regions are primarily defined by economic stagnation, population decline, and outmigration. The results underscore the need for targeted regional policies to address disparities. This study contributes to the broader discourse on left-behind places by providing empirical insights into Türkiye’s unique socio-economic landscape.

Keywords

• left-behind places
• spatial inequalities
• regional development
• geographically uneven development

Geride Kalan Bölgelerin Haritalanması: Türkiye’de Bölgesel Eşitsizliklerin Sınıflandırılması

Abstract

Bu çalışma, ekonomik marjinalleşme ve siyasi memnuniyetsizlik tartışmalarında öne çıkan "geride kalmış bölgeler" kavramı üzerinden Türkiye'deki bölgesel eşitsizlikleri incelemektedir. ABD, Birleşik Krallık ve Avrupa'daki geride kalmış bölgeler üzerine kapsamlı bir literatür olmasına rağmen, Türkiye bu bağlamda yeterince araştırılmamıştır. Bu çalışma, Geride Kalmışlık Endeksi (LBI) ve K-means kümeleme analizi kullanarak Türkiye’nin NUTS2 bölgelerini uzun vadeli ekonomik ve demografik eğilimlere göre sınıflandırmaktadır. Bulgular, Doğu-Batı ayrımının belirgin olduğu ve bazı bölgelerin ekonomik olarak geri kaldığı kalıcı bölgesel eşitsizlikleri ortaya koymaktadır. Avrupa’dan farklı olarak, Türkiye’deki geride kalmış bölgeler sanayisizleşme yerine ekonomik durgunluk, nüfus azalması ve dış göç ile tanımlanmaktadır. Sonuçlar, bölgesel eşitsizlikleri gidermeye yönelik hedefe yönelik politikaların gerekliliğini vurgulamaktadır. Bu çalışma, Türkiye’nin kendine özgü sosyo-ekonomik yapısını ortaya koyarak geride kalmış bölgeler üzerine küresel tartışmalara ampirik katkılar sunmaktadır.

Keywords

• Geri bırakılmış bölgeler
• mekânsal eşitsizlikler
• bölgesel kalkınma
• coğrafi dengesiz gelişim

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