From Administrative Boundaries to Functional Reality: Degurba-Based Spatial Classification and the Rural-Urban Paradox in Artvin Province

Abstract

The effectiveness of spatial planning and regional development policies depends on accurately defining the functional realities of settlements rather than relying solely on their administrative status. This study analyzes the population structure and settlement pattern of Artvin, a province characterized by challenging geographical conditions, within the framework of the DEGURBA (Degree of Urbanisation) methodology developed by the EU and OECD, which offers an objective standard independent of administrative boundaries. Using data from the TÜİK Address-Based Population Registration System (ADNKS), the study examines demographic changes and 1 km² grid-based spatial distribution for the 2010-2024 period. The analysis reveals a striking paradox: even the administrative centers designated as "cities" in Artvin fail to meet the "Densely Populated Area (City)" criteria under DEGURBA. Instead, the province’s settlement pattern is entirely dominated by "Intermediate Density Areas (Towns/Suburbs)" and "Thinly Populated Areas (Rural)." Indeed, in Artvin, mountainous and rugged topography limits land suitable for settlement, resulting in a low-density, spatially dispersed population distribution; therefore, the province displays a sparsely populated settlement pattern. This "rural-urban paradox" suggests that conventional urban-centric service delivery models may be ineffective in Artvin. The findings, highlighting a rural elderly population exceeding 33% and a scattered settlement structure, demonstrate the urgent need for developing unique rural development strategies based on decentralized and mobile service models. This study highlights the need to develop mobile and localized service delivery systems in Artvin, adapted to the dispersed settlement structure, instead of classic centralized service delivery models. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of adopting spatially differentiated policy tools based on functional classifications, such as DEGURBA, instead of approaches based on administrative statuses in regional planning processes.