Abstract
Spontaneous settlements are common phenomena in many Third World countries. Although the different geographical locations, along with morphological factors, play an important role in shaping up different physical settings, dynamic social factors have similar consequences in such settlements. Ankara's gecekondu & Dhaka's bustees are in continuous change & adaptation into the structure of the cities in which they exist. Both remain as popular housing in the respective capitals of Turkey & Bangladesh. The aim of this paper is to find similarities & dissimilarities among gecekondu & bustees, giving an emphasis to five fundamental issues. Those are location of the settlement within the city, appropriation of land & ownership patterns, economic possibilities of the inhabitants, cultural & local dynamics of formation & uses of space, & last, the transformation of the settlements. Despite all physical & social dissimilarities, ownership patterns are perhaps the key factor in the development of such settlements both in Ankara & in Dhaka. The main commonality is that those settlements provide not only shelter but also possibilities to satisfy other needs for their inhabitants. 3 Figures, 26 References. Adapted from the source document.