Speaker
Description
A considerable number of developing countries continue to encounter significant challenges in terms of the provision of social housing for their inhabitants. In Turkey, the issue of social housing is intricately linked to the neoliberal restructuring of social housing policies, which mirrors global trends but exhibits distinct intensity and local dynamics. Prior to the 1980s, the provision of social housing was fragmented, with local governments and cooperatives providing limited quality stock in the context of rapid urban migration. The introduction of the Mass Housing Law No. 2487 (1981) and the establishment of the Housing Development Administration (TOKI) in 1984 represented significant progress in this regard. The formation of TOKI was driven by the objective of producing affordable housing. However, following the legal arrangements of 2004, it commenced operations as the primary revenue generator, operating without any financial or judicial control. This shift has given rise to a substantial debate within Turkey in recent decades. As TOKI's role increasingly aligned with market-oriented policies, its capacity to meet "real" housing needs diminished, leading to an urgent need for alternative approaches in Turkish cities, where housing needs have become increasingly unmet.
In the midst of this evolving landscape, KİPTAŞ (Istanbul Housing Zoning Plan Industry and Trade Inc.), the real estate subsidiary of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), has emerged as a promising municipal player in the domain of social housing production. Established in 1995 with a mandate to produce zoning plans and architectural projects, KİPTAŞ has a long-standing involvement in housing development. Nevertheless, subsequent to the 2019 municipal elections and under the leadership of the opposition party Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, KİPTAŞ underwent significant reform to its operational model. Under the new administration, KİPTAŞ has redefined its mission, adopting the goal of developing affordable, accessible, and socially focused housing projects designed for low- and middle-income residents. This strategic reorientation has set KİPTAŞ apart from the profit-driven urban development model of TOKİ by prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and social responsibility in the field of social housing. As a result of this localized management approach, KİPTAŞ has emerged as a viable municipal alternative, offering a new housing provision model based on urban inclusivity and social justice.
This study will examine KİPTAŞ's evolving policy strategies and role in social housing production, and the ensuing discussion will explore the institution's potential to redefine social housing provision in Turkey, in contrast to the privatized tools of the central government. The study will explore how the institution has redefined municipal responsibilities in addressing urban housing inequalities and how it has differentiated itself in Turkey's evolving housing landscape. The article employs qualitative methodologies, including policy analysis and interviews with key actors, with the aim of analyzing KİPTAŞ's strategies and providing insight into the potential of local government-led initiatives to redefine the social housing paradigm.
| Keywords | Social Housing; Housing Policy; KİPTAŞ; Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality; Istanbul |
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| Best Congress Paper Award | No |
