A Comparative Analysis of the Past and the Present: Plateau Settlements and Semi-Nomadic Life in the Taurus Mountains (Turkey)

This paper makes a comparative analysis of the past and present situation of the "plateaus" and "semi-nomadic life" in the Taurus Mountains of Southern Turkey. The main objective is to understand the concepts of "plateau" and "semi-nomadism" in their historical context, to make a spatial and historical analysis of these concepts, to compare the past and the present spatial approaches in the plateaus and to understand the transformations of the semi-nomadic societies. In order to reach this goal, this study unfolds the traditional semi-nomadic spatial configurations developed for living in the plateaus and sustaining environmental harmony. The contemporary spatial developments in the plateaus are also investigated by referring to the transformations that have occurred in the semi-nomad soceities. The study identifies the main differences between the past and the present situation of the plateaus in terms of spatial configurations. It is seen that, although the past culture was harmonious with environment the present situation violates this harmony. By analyzing the harmony between the semi-nomadic patterns of space and natural environment, further proposals can be derived as guidelines for future planning.