Sustainable Relocation in Rural Areas: An Investigation in Cukur Village, Turkey

Abstract

Understanding whether individuals are satisfied with their new residential environment is crucial for assessing the sustainability of relocation projects. In this study, the relocation project for the part of Cukur village, under the risk of disaster was investigated. It was aimed to determine the changes that occurred in the living conditions of the beneficiaries as a result of the relocation project, the satisfaction levels of the residents with their dwelling units, lots and the settlement, the reasons of their satisfaction/dissatisfaction and the positive and negative aspects of the relocation project. The data obtained in the survey are based on discussions with the project developers and on the field surveys carried out in the region. The positive aspects of the project are the relocation of the villagers who live under the risk of disaster to a safe area, protection of the social ties between the old settlement and the new settlement, provision of houses with better physical conditions than the old ones, and the fact that infrastructure works required for basic living activities were completed. The disadvantages of the project are the problems caused by the method of payment of the housing loan, the problems experienced as a result of the workmanship errors in the dwellings, noise and natural lighting problems, and the fact that the daily activities of the villagers are interrupted due to the lack of provision of service spaces. Proposals have been suggested to ensure sustainable relocation projects in rural areas.

Keywords: Sustainable relocation, resettlement, housing, satisfaction.