GREENWAYS AND THE URBAN FORM: CITY OF ANKARA, TURKEY

Green ways can be roughly considered as linear open spaces with connection functions. They are planned along with either natural corridors or other routes designed for multi-functional uses, and differentiated from the remainder of the landscape with its unusual potential and natural character and can be considered as linked parks or green ways. In this paper, greenway concept and the definitions offered for it were discussed. The characteristics of greenways, the benefits and liabilities, goals, landscape context and its sustainability and planning approaches were given. Then, Ankara city, the metropolitan area, was criticized. The existing potential of the urban environment, the possibilities of forming such a greenway system for Ankara, along with the valley systems of the city and their suitability for ecological and recreational purpose, were evaluated. Besides, the vitality of greenways for metropolitan areas/urban development and its positive effects on human health was emphasized.