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Oğuzeli, nestled in the Gaziantep Province of southeastern Turkey, occupies a strategically important, yet geographically complex, position. Located at coordinates 36.9650, 37.5092, the city sits within the fertile Mesopotamian plains, a historically significant agricultural heartland. The terrain is characterised by gently undulating hills and the presence of the Euphrates River, which flows nearby, influencing local microclimates and potentially contributing to humidity-related pollution events. Oğuzeli’s elevation, around 850 meters above sea level, moderates temperatures but can also contribute to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural fields – particularly pistachio orchards and wheat farms – and increasingly, industrial zones associated with Gaziantep’s broader economic growth. This proximity to both agricultural activity (dust, ammonia from fertilizers) and industry (particulate matter, sulfur dioxide) significantly impacts air quality. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with Oğuzeli transitioning quickly to open farmland. The city’s location along major transportation routes, including highways connecting to Syria, further exacerbates pollution from vehicle emissions. Understanding these geographical factors is crucial for addressing Oğuzeli’s air quality challenges.

Oğuzeli experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, profoundly influencing its air quality. Pollution typically peaks during the late summer and autumn (August-November) as temperatures drop and temperature inversions become more frequent, trapping emissions from heating and industrial sources. Wind speeds are generally lower during these months, reducing dispersion. The dry conditions also contribute to increased dust levels from agricultural activities and unpaved roads. Winter (December-February) sees increased reliance on coal and wood for heating, adding to particulate matter concentrations, though increased precipitation can offer some cleansing. Spring (March-May) is generally a period of improving air quality as temperatures rise and rainfall increases, washing away accumulated pollutants. However, agricultural burning can briefly elevate particulate matter. Summer (June-July) often presents relatively cleaner air due to higher temperatures and wind speeds, but ozone formation can be a concern with intense sunlight. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during late summer/autumn inversion periods and winter heating seasons. Monitoring wind patterns and avoiding peak traffic hours are also advisable.