Research Article

Comparison of lodging structures for white- and blue-collar workers in early republican industrial campuses in Türkiye (1923–1940)

Number: 51 April 22, 2026
TR EN

Comparison of lodging structures for white- and blue-collar workers in early republican industrial campuses in Türkiye (1923–1940)

Abstract

This study examines spatial and typological differences between white- and blue-collar lodging structures in early Republican industrial campuses in Türkiye (1923–1940). Although these industrial settlements have been widely discussed in relation to modernization and state-led industrialization, systematic spatial comparisons of worker housing based on occupational hierarchy remain limited. The study aims to identify whether and how labor stratification was reflected in residential planning within these campuses. The analysis focuses on four state-led industrial complexes: Alpullu Sugar Factory, Kayseri Sümerbank Cloth Factory, Nazilli Sümerbank Calico Factory, and Karabük Iron and Steel Factory. A total of 33 lodging types were examined through descriptive spatial analysis. Architectural plans were coded according to measurable criteria such as number of floors, room count, presence of night halls, support spaces (pantries or built-in storage), garden access, and spatial transitions between rooms. Lodgings were classified as white- or blue-collar housing based on archival documentation and institutional hierarchy. Findings indicate that both groups were provided with housing consistent with modern standards of the period; however, clear spatial differentiation existed. White-collar lodgings were generally larger, more frequently multi-storey, and more likely to include night halls and support spaces than blue-collar units. Nevertheless, garden access and minimum functional standards were present in both categories, suggesting a balanced approach between hierarchical distinction and broader modern housing ideals. In the study, firstly, the housing problem was discussed, then the samples of the selected Republican Era Industrial campuses were examined and compared within the framework of their site plans and facilities. The lodgings, which are residential buildings, were examined in detail and focused on determining the differences in planning according to the business lines of the users (white or blue collar). When all the lodging structures are examined, without any discrimination between the work group, it is seen that the night hall is separated from the daytime use, the transition from room to room is designed, support volumes such as cellars, storage, and built-in wardrobes are planned, and also strong relationships are established with the exterior. It has been determined that the differences are in the choice of housing location and the size of the space.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Land Use and Environmental Planning

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 22, 2026

Submission Date

January 20, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 21, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 51

APA
Laçinkaya Kabataş, E., & Arabulan, S. (2026). Comparison of lodging structures for white- and blue-collar workers in early republican industrial campuses in Türkiye (1923–1940). İDEALKENT, 51, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.31198/idealkent.1623896
AMA
1.Laçinkaya Kabataş E, Arabulan S. Comparison of lodging structures for white- and blue-collar workers in early republican industrial campuses in Türkiye (1923–1940). İDEALKENT. 2026;(51):1-17. doi:10.31198/idealkent.1623896
Chicago
Laçinkaya Kabataş, Ece, and Selin Arabulan. 2026. “Comparison of Lodging Structures for White- and Blue-Collar Workers in Early Republican Industrial Campuses in Türkiye (1923–1940)”. İDEALKENT, nos. 51: 1-17. https://doi.org/10.31198/idealkent.1623896.
EndNote
Laçinkaya Kabataş E, Arabulan S (April 1, 2026) Comparison of lodging structures for white- and blue-collar workers in early republican industrial campuses in Türkiye (1923–1940). İDEALKENT 51 1–17.
IEEE
[1]E. Laçinkaya Kabataş and S. Arabulan, “Comparison of lodging structures for white- and blue-collar workers in early republican industrial campuses in Türkiye (1923–1940)”, İDEALKENT, no. 51, pp. 1–17, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.31198/idealkent.1623896.
ISNAD
Laçinkaya Kabataş, Ece - Arabulan, Selin. “Comparison of Lodging Structures for White- and Blue-Collar Workers in Early Republican Industrial Campuses in Türkiye (1923–1940)”. İDEALKENT. 51 (April 1, 2026): 1-17. https://doi.org/10.31198/idealkent.1623896.
JAMA
1.Laçinkaya Kabataş E, Arabulan S. Comparison of lodging structures for white- and blue-collar workers in early republican industrial campuses in Türkiye (1923–1940). İDEALKENT. 2026;:1–17.
MLA
Laçinkaya Kabataş, Ece, and Selin Arabulan. “Comparison of Lodging Structures for White- and Blue-Collar Workers in Early Republican Industrial Campuses in Türkiye (1923–1940)”. İDEALKENT, no. 51, Apr. 2026, pp. 1-17, doi:10.31198/idealkent.1623896.
Vancouver
1.Ece Laçinkaya Kabataş, Selin Arabulan. Comparison of lodging structures for white- and blue-collar workers in early republican industrial campuses in Türkiye (1923–1940). İDEALKENT. 2026 Apr. 1;(51):1-17. doi:10.31198/idealkent.1623896