The transformation of an industrial location: Dilovası from 1990s to present

Abstract

This study scrutinizes the transformation of Dilovası, a densely industrialized location, from 1990s to present. It focuses on the effects of industrialization process of Turkey on Dilovası and through the data discusses the changing relationship between state and industry/industrialist and the environmental outcomes of the industrial density in the region. This time interval is analyzed in two sections. The period from the establishment of Dilovası Municipality in 1987 to the constitution of Dilovası Organized Industrial Zone in 2002 constitutes the first section; whereas post-2002 period constitutes the second. The set of oscillating discourses and practices between philanthropy and corruption is underlined in the first period. The second period, on the other hand, argues that Dilovası has become an industrial location which is almost autonomous and free from public inspection and an integrated place to the global capitalist economy. The Law of Organized Industrial Zone in 2000, as an outcome of the neoliberal institutionalization period in Turkey, provided vast authority and almost autonomous structure to the industrial regions. Focusing on Dilovası, which is declared as an organized industrial zone in 2002, this thesis discusses how it is included to this new setting and the outcomes of the process. Lastly it aims to consider the social, political and ecological results of the recent industrialization experience in Turkey.