Afyonkarahisar, also known as Afyon, is a city located in western Turkey, in the Afyonkarahisar Province. With a population of approximately 219,000 people, it is the 27th most populous city in Turkey. The city is situated in a plateau region that is surrounded by mountains, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and paragliding. Despite its natural beauty, Afyonkarahisar is also known for its light pollution, which is affecting the city's night sky and has an estimated amount of 22.18 µcd/m².
One of the main reasons for the light pollution in Afyonkarahisar is the city's rapid urbanization. In recent years, the city has undergone significant development, with the construction of new housing complexes, shopping centers, and industrial zones. This has resulted in an increase in the number of streetlights, building lights, and other sources of artificial light that contribute to the city's light pollution. In addition, the city's location near major highways and transportation hubs has also contributed to the problem, as the lights from passing cars and trucks add to the overall level of light pollution.
One of the most notable landmarks in Afyonkarahisar is the Afyon Castle, which is located on a hill overlooking the city. The castle was built during the Seljuk era and has since been restored several times. At night, the castle is illuminated, adding to the overall level of light pollution in the city. Another notable landmark is the Afyonkarahisar Ulu Cami, which is the largest mosque in the city. The mosque's minarets are also illuminated at night, contributing to the city's light pollution.
In addition to the city's landmarks, the habits of the people living in Afyonkarahisar also contribute to the city's light pollution. For example, many residents keep their lights on throughout the night, even when they are not at home. This is due to a belief that leaving lights on will deter burglars and other criminals. As a result, many of the city's residential areas are brightly lit at all hours of the night, adding to the overall level of light pollution.
Another factor contributing to the city's light pollution is its industry. Afyonkarahisar is known for its marble production, and the city is home to numerous quarries and factories. Many of these factories operate around the clock, and their lights are visible from miles away, adding to the overall level of light pollution in the city.
Despite the city's high level of light pollution, there are efforts underway to reduce it. For example, the Afyonkarahisar Metropolitan Municipality has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the negative effects of light pollution and to encourage residents to use more energy-efficient lighting. In addition, the city has implemented a number of measures to reduce the amount of light emitted by streetlights and other public lighting sources.
Afyonkarahisar is a city with a high level of light pollution, due in part to its rapid urbanization, location near major transportation hubs, and the habits of its residents. The city's landmarks, industry, and residential areas all contribute to the problem, but there are efforts underway to reduce the amount of light pollution and protect the city's natural beauty.