Climate- and Natural Environment-Sensitive Planning in the Early Republican Period: An Examination of the Erzurum Lambert Plan

Urban plans prepared during the early Turkish Republic provide important examples of planning approaches integrating modernization objectives with natural environmental conditions. However, studies examining these plans from climate and environmental perspectives remain limited. This study examines the 1939 Erzurum Development Plan, prepared by French planner Jacques Henri Lambert, within the framework of climate- and natural environment-sensitive planning. Using qualitative historical research, the plan, its explanatory report, and contemporary documents are analysed through document review and content analysis. Findings show that Lambert incorporated Erzurum’s harsh continental climate, prevailing winds, solar exposure, hydrological systems, topography, and green infrastructure into planning decisions. The proposed green belt, central park system, neighbourhood gardens, transportation axes supporting air circulation, industrial location, and development patterns responsive to natural constraints demonstrate the systematic integration of environmental factors. The study identifies the Lambert Plan as an early, comprehensive example of climate- and natural environment-sensitive planning in Türkiye’s urban planning history.