A RESEARCH IN TERMS OF ECONOMICAL GEOGRAPHY: FOREIGN WORKERS IN HARD COAL BASIN IN ZONGULDAK

Taþkýn DENÝZ ¹ , Ünal ÖZDEMÝR ²

The existence of mines and features such as reserve and grade are very important for the economy of all countries. In the stages of extracting and processing mines, one of the most important factors is the factor of worker. If natural resources donâ€Ã¢â€ž¢t have the necessary requirements for worker supply, foreign workforce is demanded. Especially low costs and tendency to work are reasons of preference economically. However, this matter brings along some social, cultural and economical problems for foreign workers. The purpose of this study was to explain the social and economic conditions of foreign workers working in Zonguldak Hard Coal Basin during the historical process. Employment of foreign workers, the differences in language, religion, culture and nationality didn`t serve as an preventing factor for solidarity among the workers. When analyzed, it is remarkable that the nationalities of foreign workers change according to the periods. Foreign workers can easily and rapidly a

Keywords
Zonguldak Hard Coal Basin, Mining, Foreign Workers, Thermal Power Station, Ottoman Empire,