Urban Renewal and Rental Subsidy Programs

Urban Transformation: Shaping Turkey's Future

Turkey, as a rapidly changing and developing country, is taking significant steps in its urbanization policies. One of the most important of these steps is undoubtedly the urban transformation project. Urban transformation is not just about renovating buildings, but also a comprehensive process that reshapes the physical, social, and economic structure of cities. In this article, we will delve into what urban transformation is, how it is implemented, and why it is so important for Turkey.

What is Urban Transformation?

Urban transformation is primarily the process of rebuilding outdated, deteriorating, or disaster-prone areas within cities. However, this definition only scratches the surface of its full scope. Urban transformation also seeks to:

• Improve the quality of life in cities
• Solve infrastructure problems
• Create environmentally friendly and sustainable urban planning
• Eliminate social inequalities
• Stimulate economic recovery

This multi-faceted approach transforms urban transformation from a mere construction activity into a social transformation project.

History of Urban Transformation in Turkey

The idea of urban transformation in Turkey came to the forefront after the 1999 Marmara Earthquake. This major disaster revealed how risky the country's building stock was. However, it was not until 2012 that a systematic urban transformation application was implemented. The Law No. 6306 on the Transformation of Areas at Risk of Disaster, which entered into force in 2012, provided a legal framework for the urban transformation process. This law accelerated urban transformation applications by regulating the processes of identifying, transforming, and rebuilding risky structures.

Urban Transformation Process

Urban transformation is a complex and multi-stage process. The basic stages of this process are as follows:

• Identification of Risk Areas: In this stage, areas with a high risk of earthquakes or inadequate infrastructure are identified. Priority transformation areas are determined through scientific studies and risk analyses.
• Assessment of the Risk Status of Structures: The structures in the determined areas are examined one by one. The risk status is determined by evaluating factors such as the age of the structures, the materials used, and the construction technique.
• Planning and Projecting: Detailed plans and projects are prepared for the new buildings to be constructed in place of risky structures. In this stage, modern urban planning concepts, sustainability principles, and local needs are taken into account.
• Demolition and Construction Operations: Risky structures are demolished in a controlled manner and new buildings are constructed in their place. During this process, environmental and occupational safety measures are strictly applied.
• Opening of New Structures to Use: New structures, whose construction is completed, are opened to use after obtaining the necessary controls and approvals.
• Urban Transformation Law and Applications

The Law No. 6306 on Urban Transformation forms the legal framework of the process. This law regulates all stages from the identification of risky structures to the construction of new buildings. The main objectives of the law are:

• To identify areas at risk of disaster
• To renovate or strengthen risky structures in these areas
• To create healthy and safe living environments

The law also provides various supports to prevent victimization in the urban transformation process.

Urban Transformation Rent Assistance

Citizens who are forced to leave their homes during the urban transformation process are provided with rent assistance by the state. The rent assistance amounts determined for 2024 are as follows:

Istanbul:

• For tenants: 11,000 TL per month
• For homeowners: 5,500 TL per month

Ankara, Antalya, Bursa, and Izmir:

• For tenants: 9,000 TL per month
• For homeowners: 4,500 TL per month

Other Provinces:

• For tenants: 6,000 TL per month
• For homeowners: 3,000 TL per month

These supports play an important role in supporting the social dimension of the urban transformation process and preventing the victimization of citizens.

Application Process for Rent Assistance

Citizens who want to benefit from rent assistance must apply within 1 year from the date of eviction or within 3 months from the date the risky structure is demolished. Applications are made to the relevant Directorate or Municipality in the province where the risky structure is located.

Other Supports in Urban Transformation

In addition to rent assistance, there are other supports offered to citizens within the scope of urban transformation:

• Interest Support: Interest support can be provided to citizens who take out loans within the scope of urban transformation. However, citizens who receive rent assistance cannot benefit from interest support.
• Relocation Assistance: Citizens who are forced to evacuate their homes due to urban transformation may be given a one-time relocation assistance to cover their relocation expenses.
• Tax Exemption: Various tax, fee, and duty exemptions are provided for transactions carried out within the scope of urban transformation.

These supports aim to make the urban transformation process more bearable for citizens.

Importance and Benefits of Urban Transformation

Urban transformation is of vital importance to Turkey in many ways:

• Earthquake Safety: A large part of Turkey is located in the earthquake zone. Urban transformation increases life and property safety by constructing earthquake-resistant structures.
• Improving the Quality of Life: New settlements planned with a modern urban planning approach offer more livable and comfortable living spaces.
• Environmentally Friendly Cities: Urban transformation projects aim to create sustainable cities by creating energy-efficient, environmentally friendly buildings and green areas.
• Economic Revitalization: Urban transformation projects contribute to the economy by revitalizing the construction sector and creating employment.
• Solving Infrastructure Problems: Old and inadequate infrastructure systems are renewed and made more efficient within the scope of urban transformation.
• Social Integration: Well-planned urban transformation projects can bring different social groups together and strengthen social cohesion.

Challenges Faced in Urban Transformation

Despite all its benefits, urban transformation faces some challenges:

• Financing Problems: Financing large-scale urban transformation projects is a significant challenge.
• Social Resistance: Some citizens may be reluctant to leave their accustomed living spaces.
• Planning Difficulties: Planning urban transformation projects in a way that is compatible with the city's existing fabric and needs is a complex process.
• Legal Issues: There may be legal issues related to property rights and expropriation processes.
• Environmental Impacts: Demolition and construction processes can temporarily cause environmental problems.

Conclusion

Urban transformation is a critical process that shapes Turkey's future. This process aims to transform not only buildings, but also the social structure and quality of life. Companies such as Yükselen Mimari play important roles in this process and work to create modern, safe, and sustainable living spaces.

The success of urban transformation depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders - government agencies, local governments, the private sector, and citizens. It is vital for citizens to take an active role in urban transformation projects, know their rights, and contribute to the process.

In conclusion, urban transformation is a crucial step in Turkey's journey to build safer, more livable, and more modern cities. Despite its challenges, this process is indispensable for the country's future. When planned and implemented correctly, urban transformation has the potential to transform not only buildings, but also the quality of life and well-being of society.