The development of the city of Bursa reflects that taking place in the urban areas of many other developing
countries. Cities are centres of attraction for industrial, commercial, educational, health and cultural activities
and therefore attract people. As a result, the number of people living in cities increases each day in Turkey, as it
does in many countries throughout the world. However, this expansion and development must be planned and a
balance between protection and exploitation observed. Development in rural areas must also be planned and the
needs of the inhabitants of these areas provided for. In this way, migration to urban areas may be prevented or at
least reduced. Agricultural and rural areas surrounding cities must be protected. These regions are very important
since not only do they provide an ecological balance, but also natural resources, including a certain portion of the
food requirements of cities, as well as providing leisure activities for urban residents. In order for development in
the Bursa Plain region, as well as in Turkey as a whole to be sustainable, the protection of not only urban areas,
but also both rural and peri-urban areas must be accounted for.