On the necessity of studying the mono-functional urban settlements in Bulgaria

Overview & Synopsis

The paper deals with the functional and spatial structure of the mono-functional urban settlements in Bulgaria. Some examples have been given, using parameters such as population number, depopulation rate, unemployment rate, etc. Special attention has been paid to urban settlements without any leading function. An attempt has been made to clarify the situation that has led to that negative fact. Through analysis of literary sources, a universally valid definition of monofunctional urban settlements has been proposed and applied. The elaboration of that definition was based mainly on the experience of Russian researchers, considering the fact that such type of urban settlements prevail in that country, and as such, are subjected to systematic analysis and research. As a result of the analyses, the introduction of a separate group of mono-functional urban settlements without any leading function is proposed, which would enhance the identification of problems, as well as the elaboration of more accurate projections. Some basic guidelines for future studying of mono-functional urban settlements have been given, considering that so far the issue has been somewhat disregarded.