West Anatolia Research Articles

Discovery and environmental implications of Santorini tephras (Cape Riva and Minoan) in sediments of Lake Yayla (West Anatolia)

Throughout the long eruption history of the Santorini volcano, the Cape Riva/Y-2 and Minoan/Z-2 eruptions had a profound impact on the environment. The Minoan eruptions also had a significant impact on society. These two tephras, as well as the Y-2 tephra individually, have been recorded for the first time in a lacustrine area in western Anatolia. This study examines the geochemical properties of Y-2 (23 cm) and Z-2 tephra layers (19 cm; 14 cm pure and 5 cm mixed) from 18 m sediment cores in Lake Yayla (Denizli-Buldan). Additionally, high-resolution µXRF, fossil pollen, charcoal, and dating analyses were conducted on the cores to determine the chronologies and environmental effects of the tephra layers. Fossil pollen findings show consistent forest and steppe/grassland vegetation before and after the Z-2 tephra, with the forest impact lasting for 240 years after the eruption. Increased aquatic vegetation and changes in specific taxa (e.g. Pinus sp. and Amaranthaceae increased, while Quercus deciduous, Olea europaea, and cereals decreased) were observed following the Minoan eruption. Charcoal analysis indicates heightened fire activity post-Minoan eruption, while XRF data reveal no associated climatic change. At the same time, no correlation has been identified between the Cape Riva eruption and ecological changes (climate, vegetation, and fire activity). Contribution to dating the tephra was provided by radiocarbon dating from the lowest part of the tephra layer (17,684 ± 63 years BP). This study sheds light on the extensive impacts of the Y-2 and Z-2 tephra eruptions, focusing on their dating, geochemistry, environmental effects, tephra transport directions, and thicknesses. It demonstrates the presence of a significant geological event for the settlements in the Büyük Menderes Valley.

Risk assessment of cigarette butts and microplastic pollution in a drinking and irrigation water basin of West Anatolia, Türkiye.

Cigarette butts (CBs) and Microplastics (MPs) have serious harmful effects on the environment and living organisms despite their small size. This research aims to investigate the abundance and pollution status of CBs and MPs in Tahtalı Dam Basin (West Anatolia, Türkiye) which is the most important drinking and irrigation water resources. Clean Environment Index (CEI) and Cigarette Butt Pollution Index (CBPI) were used to determine pollution degree of the basin. The total number of CBs were 1.478 items, the total number of MPs were 477 items/m2 in the basin. As a result of this study, MP particles weren't found in Balaban Stream. Highest number of MP particles observed in 100-250μm (45%) size class. The most abundant MP type and colour were, fragment (54%) and white (42%), respectively. Polyethylene terephthalate (50%) was the most abundant type of polymer according to the ATR- FTIR analysis. As a result of the CEI and CBPI, the upstream stations of the stream were classified as "clean" status, while downstream sampling points of the stream and Balaban Lake coasts were classified as "extremely dirty" status. The calculated volumes of MP particulates from mining facility, agricultural and recreational activities indicate that anthropogenic factors are the most important MP source in the Tahtalı Dam Basin. This study is the first study about MP and CB pollution of the freshwater ecosystems in the region.

Petrorhagia dubia subsp. mustafanus (Caryophyllaceae), a new subspecies from Turkey

Petrorhagia dubia subsp. mustafanus (Caryophyllaceae) is described as a new subspecies from Dede mountain in Soma (Manisa), west Anatolia, Turkey. Diagnosis, description, preferential habitat, distribution, conservation status, and original photographs are given, as well as a comparison with the similar P. dubia subsp. dubia is discussed.

Determination of water quality profile of an urban stream in Gediz River Basin (West Anatolia, Türkiye) and comparative analysis of biotic indices

Determination of water quality profile of an urban stream in Gediz River Basin (West Anatolia, Türkiye) and comparative analysis of biotic indices

Işıklı Gölü (Çivril-Denizli/Türkiye) zooplankton dağılımı ve kompozisyonunun trofik durum değerlendirmesi ile araştırılması

In this study, the zooplankton distribution and composition of Işıklı Lake, located in the Inner West Anatolia region of Türkiye, were examined monthly between 2003-2005. Zooplankton samples were collected with Hydro-Bios plankton net (55 µm) at the surface and fixed in formaldehyde (4 %). Physiological parameters such as surface water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity were also measured. Also, the frequency index (F %) and the Brachionus / Trichocerca (QB/T) were determined to assess the trophic composition of Lake Işıklı. A total of 49 species have been identified. Rotifera (55 %), Cladocera (27 %) and Copepoda (18%) were represented by the species. The maximum species was found in May 2004 (21 species), while the minimum was found in October 2003 (5 species). Asplanchna priodonta, Keratella cochlearis, Keratella tecta, Polyarthra dolichoptera, Synchaeta pectinata, Bosmina longirostris and Chydorus sphaericus are common species in the lake. The water temperature varied between 3.9-24.6 °C; pH ranged from 8.1 to 8.8; the electrical conductivity ranged from 341 µS/cm to 434 µS/cm; the dissolved oxygen values changed from 5.8 mg/L to 11.1 mg/L. According to the frequency index (F %), the most dominant species are B. longirostris (74 %), K. cochlearis (62 %), A. priodonta (54 %), and C. sphaericus (51 %). A total of 20 species are reported for the first time from the region. Newly reported species from the lake were: the rotifers, A. priodonta, Brachionus angularis, Brachionus calyciflorus, Colurella colurus, Keratella quadrata, Lecane clostrocerca, Lecane ludwigi, Lecane luna, Lecane lunaris, Lecane ohioensis, Lecane quadridentata, Lecane sp., Mytilina mucronata, Notholca acuminata, Notholca squamula, Trichotria tetractis, the cladocerans Acroperus harpae, Daphnia cucullata, and the copepods Eucyclops macrurus and Megacyclops gigas. Considering the Brachionus / Trichocerca (QB/T) ratio according to the Sládeček (1983) index, the lake showed mesotrophic features.

Construction processes and techniques in traditional Birgi houses: a typical Ottoman settlement

ABSTRACT The historic town of Birgi is a historic settlement within İzmir, Turkey, included in the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2012. Traditional Birgi houses, dated to the second half of the 18th and the beginning of the 20th century, are one of the best-representative and best-preserved examples of the hımış houses – the most common housing typology of the Ottoman Period. These hybrid structures include a masonry ground floor and timber frame upper floors as their primary load-bearing systems, with details shaped in line with the regional material availability and the performance of these materials, as well as technical know-how and the local experience of major historic fires and earthquakes. In this study, authentic construction techniques used in the West Anatolian Ottoman houses and information about the construction processes are presented through Birgi's traditional houses. For this aim, a visual examination and documentation of various hımış sub-typologies representative of different construction periods are conducted. The differences in construction details are evaluated in light of the predominant architectural styles and technological possibilities of their construction periods. In addition, the strengths and weaknesses of authentic construction techniques and common construction errors are discussed.

Mineral chemistry and pre-eruptive crystallization conditions of Miocene volcanic rocks in the Kütahya (West Anatolia) and surrounding area

Mineral chemistry and pre-eruptive crystallization conditions of Miocene volcanic rocks in the Kütahya (West Anatolia) and surrounding area

Replica of a Single-niche “Transylvanian” Rug

This article presents some considerations on a cultural asset of particular value from the National Museum of Transylvanian History collection, namely a single‑niche “Transylvanian” rug, from West Anatolia dating from the first half of the seventeenth century, along with its replica. The latter was made in Sultanhanı (Republic of Türkiye) between 2021 and 2022, and was donated to the museum in Cluj by Stefano Ionescu, a renowned specialist in Anatolian carpets, based in Rome.

New insights into the ultrapotassic magmatism through xenoliths from the Eğirdir area, West Anatolia, Turkey

New insights into the ultrapotassic magmatism through xenoliths from the Eğirdir area, West Anatolia, Turkey

Gas lifting design and application in geothermal wells: A case study from West Anatolia, Turkiye

The gas content of the producing fluid has crucial effects on the production performance of geothermal wells. The decline of non-condensable gases (NCG) could result in significant performance reduction of the wells. Artificial production techniques such as pumps (i.e., Line Shaft Pump and Electrical Submersible Pump) and gas lifting are the widely known methods for enhancing the production performance of wells. Due to the high-temperature working environment and the well's inclination, pumps might be inconvenient for geothermal wells. Continuous injection of gases such as nitrogen (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) serving as gas lifting might be the appropriate method to enhance production from geothermal wells suffering from low gas content and reservoir pressure. This study investigates production enhancement with gas lifting in a geothermal field in Turkiye. The study aims to fill the gap of gas lifting in the geothermal industry as an alternative to downhole pumps such as ESP and LSP. The sensitivity analyses were performed on the design parameters such as injection depth, rates, tubing size, number of valves, and injectate gas type influencing the production performance of gas lifting. The study found that gas lifting is an optimization problem that needs to be solved by considering gas sources, infrastructure sizes, wellbore geometry, and operating parameters.

Welfare of Horses in Inner West Anatolia

This study was carried out to evaluate the feeding, management and health practices in horse farms in Inner West Anatolia with the aspects of animal welfare. The study was carried out in 53 horse farms in Afyonkarahisar, Eskişehir, Kütahya, and Uşak provinces. The measurements, observations and declarations of breeders were recorded on the questioner forms. Furthermore, a fecal parasitic examination was carried out. The breeds of horse were Arab, Thoroughbred, local and crosses. The percentages of boxed and tied barns were 60.4 and 39.6%. The average temperature and humidity in the shelters were 20.7°C and 38.6%, the mean values for carbondioxide, oxygen, and ammonia were measured as 848.0, 20.9, and 5.0 ppm respectively. Although antiparasitic applications were reported in the visited farms, 61.7% of the horses were found to have parasites in the parasitic examination. 90.6% of the interviewed personnel claimed that they were experienced in horse breeding but only 3.8% had knowledge about animal health and welfare. In conclusion, horse breeding in Inner West Anatolia is insufficient in terms of windows and chimney openings in shelters, shelter enrichment, paddock areas and exercise, dental care, antiparasitic applications, and trained personnel for animal health and welfare; while box dimensions, feeding standards, grooming, hoof care, tail docking, foal care and transport applications were in accordance with ideal standards.

Biological assessment of Demirci Stream in Gediz River Basin (West Anatolia of Turkey) and comparative performance of benthic macroinvertebrate-based metrics

Biological assessment of Demirci Stream in Gediz River Basin (West Anatolia of Turkey) and comparative performance of benthic macroinvertebrate-based metrics

Neotectonics of Turkey and its geothermal implication

Favourable conditions for geothermal energy were created in Turkey during its neotectonic episode from Neogene to Quaternary. This episode is characterized mainly by fluvio-lacustrine sedimentation and strike-slip tectonics with associated magmatism. Under these conditions, a great number of geothermal areas have formed in the neotectonic provinces in association with major tectonic features, including the North and East Anatolian Fault Zones (NAFZ and EAFZ, respectively). Today, the geothermal resources of Turkey are mainly located in the West Anatolian Extensional Province associated with the graben systems. However, the Central Anatolian Ova Neotectonic Province is considered as one of the most promising geothermal targets which are characterized by the presence of widespread hot dry rock systems. This study mainly aims to throw light on the possible potentiality of these resources at Kırşehir Block by emphasizing the neotectonic evolution of the country.

Late Bronze Age Pot Marks From Thyateira – Hastane Höyüğü

Various hypotheses have been formulated to explain the function and meaning of pre-post firing marks in the Late Bronze Age Anatolia. Known as "pot marks," these signs have been prominently associated with the administrative systems–central authorities or viewed as an indicator of asymmetric interregional economic relations. However, these interpretations are not suitable for Western Anatolia due to the limited number of pot marks found in a few settlements, the distinctive qualities of pottery tradition in the region, and the lack of institutionalized interregional economic connections. This article presents the first examples of pot marks found in Akhisar-Hastane Höyük/Central West Anatolia with preliminary observations on the Late Bronze Age pottery groups. It emphasizes the ambiguous nature of pot marks, their typological similarities, and differences among non-regional parallels and suggests that their appearances in the Western Anatolian LBA settlements should be considered as singular cases for now.

Evaluation of the Water Quality of the Ilke Stream According to Biotic Indices Based on Benthic Macroinvertebrates (West Anatolia, Turkey)

Evaluation of the Water Quality of the Ilke Stream According to Biotic Indices Based on Benthic Macroinvertebrates (West Anatolia, Turkey)

Rates of childhood vaccine refusal in Turkey during 2016–2017: Regional causes and solutions

Objective: Vaccine hesitancy is a growing problem globally. This study aimed to detect the rates of vaccine refusal (VR) during childhood in each province and region of Turkey from 2016 to 2017 and to evaluate the experiences of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) managers regarding childhood VR and opinions to solve and reduce vaccine hesitancy in Turkey. Methods: VR was defined as the refusal to vaccinate for at least one vaccine in children aged 0–23 months. In this descriptive study, information on notified VR cases and recommended solutions from every province in Turkey was accessed by the local EPI manager for the period 2016–2017. The VR rates were calculated. Results: From 80 provinces, 8977 VR cases were detected in 2016 (VR rate 3.5‰) and 14,779 cases in 2017 (VR rate 5.9‰; p<0.001). One quarter of Family Health Units reported at least one case of VR. The highest VR rate in children aged under 2 years was in East Marmara (8.4‰) in 2016, and the West Anatolia Region (10.9‰) and East Marmara region (10.9‰) in 2017. Concerns about the vaccine content, harmfulness, and fears about adverse effects were the most common reasons underlying VR. Educating healthcare workers about vaccines and interpersonal communication skills, increasing patient information with informative brochures, and preventing anti-vaccination publications in the media were the most frequent recommendations to solve VR. Conclusions: In Turkey, VR cases continue to increase. Correct and adequate information, effective communication, and trust between healthcare workers and parents can help reduce VR.

Apparel design from middle and West Anatolia hand-woven fabrics

All throughout history people did hand-weaving to provide fabric for clothing but much less in our time. Hand-woven fabrics possessing different properties were produced in every country and in every area. Especially in Turkey, hand-weaving had become an art in due time, had developed, and had gained importance in economy and culture. As a result of rapid industrialization, hand-woven fabrics are now facing expiring even they are tried to be produced limitedly in the world as well as in some areas of Turkey. In this research, hand-woven fabrics in the Middle and West Anatolia cities (Kastamonu, Tokat, Uşak, village of Buldan in Denizli) are studied. The physical, chemical and visual properties of these sample fabrics are tested to decide what kind of garment can be produced from them. It is aimed to supply hand-woven fabrics to industry, mainly in ready wear production, by designing apparel suitable to today’s needs and fashion, to assure a rise in interest in them leading to a need in hand-woven fabrics and to achieve an increase in production of them, to provide clues for ready-wear producer and the end user, to prevent the expiring of hand-woven fabrics, but to continue to add to economy, culture and labor.

The Origin, Identity and Contributions of the Etruscans to Roman Civilization

Etrüskler adıyla anılan kavim, aslında Anadolu’lu Troyalılar ile Türk kökenli İskitler’in (Sakalar) İtalya’da karışıp kaynaşmasıyla oluşan ve İtalya’daki mevcut köy kültürünü şehir kültürüne dönüştüren önemli bir halk grubudur. Grekler onları Tyrsenler veya Tyrhenler adıyla anarken, Romalılar bu kavme Tuscalar ya da Etrusclar demiştir. Oysaki Etrüskler, kendilerine Rasenna diyorlardı. İnsanlık tarihinde Doğu ve Batı dünyalarının ilk büyük mücadelesi olarak kabul edilen Troya Savaşları’nda Doğu Bloku’nun temsilcisi olarak ortaya çıkan Troyalılar, on yıllık bir mücadelenin sonunda Batı’yı temsil eden Akalar’a yenilmişlerdi. Bir süre sonra Ege Göçleri’ne (Deniz Kavimleri Göçü) katılmak zorunda kalan Troyalılar, birdenbire kendilerini Mısır kapılarında bulmuşlardı. Ege Göçleri’nin hem birinci hem de ikinci aşamasına katılan Troyalılar, Mısır firavunlarına karşı verdikleri mücadeleyi ne yazık ki, kaybetmişlerdi. Çanakkale yöresindeki anavatanlarına dönmek zorunda kalan Troyalılar, yurtlarının yaşanmaz bir duruma geldiğini görerek, biraz daha güneydeki İzmir yöresine yerleşmişlerdi. Ancak Yunanistan’dan bu bölgeye göç eden Akalı göçmenler yüzünden, MÖ 10. yüzyıl başlarında Anadolu’yu tamamen terk ederek, deniz yoluyla İtalya’nın Toskana bölgesine göç etmişlerdi. Bu hadiseden yaklaşık iki asır sonra, Kafkaslar üzerinden Anadolu’ya giren iki Türk kavmi ile karşılaşıyoruz. Bunlar, İskit ve Kimmer kavimleridir. Anadolu’ya yaklaşık 80 yıl hükmeden Kimmerler, Orta Anadolu’daki Frig Devleti’ni de ortadan kaldırmışlardı. Kimmerler’in peşinden Anadolu topraklarına giren İskitler, Herodotos’a göre, 28 yıl Doğu Anadolu’ya hükmettikten sonra Kimmerler’in boşalttığı Güney Rusya topraklarını istila ederek, burada Büyük İskit İmparatorluğu’nu kurmuşlardı. Ancak İskitler’in bir kısmı geri dönmeyip batı istikametindeki yürüyüşlerine devam ederek, Batı Anadolu kıyılarına ulaşmış ve buradan gemilerle İtalya’ya göç etmişlerdi. İşte İskitler’in (Sakalar) bu grubu ile daha önceden İtalya’ya göç etmiş olan Troyalılar karışıp kaynaşarak İtalya’da Türklük özelliklerinin ağır bastığı yeni bir topluluğun oluşumuna zemin hazırlamışlardır ki, bu kavim yukarıda bahsi geçen Etrüskler ya da Tursakalar adıyla anılan kavimdir. Biz bu çalışmamızda, Etrüskler’in Roma medeniyetinin oluşumunda ne gibi roller üstlendiğini yazılı ve arkeolojik kaynakların ışığında gözler önüne sermeye çalıştık.

Comparative Performance of the Indices Used for Bioassessment of Water Quality of Sangı Stream (West Anatolia, Turkey)

Comparative Performance of the Indices Used for Bioassessment of Water Quality of Sangı Stream (West Anatolia, Turkey)

REGIONAL AND TEN PROVINCES CONCENTRATION IN BANKING SECTOR OF TÜRKİYE

Turkish financial system is a bank-based system. In bank-based systems, banks play a leading role in mobilizing savings, allocating credit. It is important where financial intermediary banks’ operations concentrate on. Hence, “the geographic concentration in banking” means that they operate mostly in some specific places or concentrate on some places. The geographic distributions of banking operations are studied relatively less subject. However, this kind study let know about where the reel economy concentrate on and it can be used on eliminating regional development disparities and forming the regional development policies. In this study, it is considered the banking sector regional and provincial data of Turkey between 2007-2020, including mostly deposits and credits, and then produced tables on regional and ten provinces concentrations. It is seen that the 29,92 % of 7568 branches in 2007 operates in İstanbul. İstanbul, is placed as a region in regional disturbances table, is followed by Aegean Region with 15,24 %, West Anatolia with 11,84 % and Mediterranean Region with 10,53 % . In 2020 year, it is seen that these rates change orderly as 26,33 %, 14,94 %, 11,88 %, 11,45 %. It is observed that the 43, 51 % of all deposits in 2007 is in İstanbul and is used the 43,68 % of all credits in İstanbul. West Anatolia follows İstanbul with 20,39 % and 13,34 % in deposits and credits. In 2020, it is observed that the deposit share of İstanbul increased to 46,30 % and credit shares of İstanbul decreased to 41 %. İstanbul, Ankara and İzmir, high populated cities of Turkey, have more bank branches as well and so it is observed that deposits are saved mostly there and allocated loans mostly there. As the number of ATM, POS machines and card acceptor, the rank does not change. As a result, the geographic concentration in Turkish banking sector is high even though it decrease a little bit. There are both of regional concentration and 10 provinces concentration on branch number, deposit and credits and also it is seen that these concentrations are in the developed regions. It can be comment that these concentrations are the factors increased regional disparities.