THE PLACE OF PORTS IN DEVELOPMENT PLANS OF TURKEY: A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS FOR THE YEARS 1985-2010 (TüRK YE’DE KALKINMA PLANLARI KAPSAMINDA L MANLARIN YER : 1985 – 2010 YILLARI ARASI STRATEJ K B R ANAL Z)

Ports are essential infrastructural elements in terms of their role as an integrator of national economy with the world economy. They affect the efficient use of maritime transportation. In addition to the provision of infrastructure for international transportation, ports have an important role in the transit transportation and logistics as well.In terms of its geo-strategic position, Turkey owns considerable advantages and potentials for the port sector. However, Turkish ports cannot make sufficient use of these advantages as the port sector in Turkey is not well developed enough. From such a perspective, important policies have been established to solve the problems faced at Turkish ports, including solution-focused legislation and strategy application. The purpose of this study is to strategically assess Turkish ports for the last 25 years since 1985 within the scope of loading-unloading development and port planning and investment issues.