Speaker
Description
In 2004, an urban transformation process started in Maltepe district of Istanbul, with the Master Development Plan prepared by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality for our neighbourhoods Gülsuyu and Gülensu. Gülsuyu and Gülensu are two adjacent gecekondu neighbourhoods that have been politically active. The year 2024 can be considered as a turning point for Istanbul since it was the beginning of urban transformation process for all the squatter settlements and dilapidated areas in Istanbul, such as Sarıyer, Sulukule, Tozkoparan, Kartal, Maltepe etc. The urban transformation projects that started in these neighbourhoods triggered resistance as a natural reflex. People living in these areas mobilized their right to housing and right to the city. Professional Chambers such as the Chamber of City Planners and the Chamber of Architects, Universities and neighbourhood associations came together. Numerous demonstrations, workshops and meetings took place.
In summary, Gülsuyu and Gülensu neighbourhoods have prepared alternative master plans and zoning plans in a participatory and collective manner since 2004, and today they are one of the most prepared neighbourhoods on the eve of transformation. It is the most organized neighbourhood with its headmen, associations and councils. In this presentation, I will share with you my experiences in these processes and my perspective as an urban activist.
