Environment-friendly population decrease model in northern Istanbul
ZEYNEL YAMAN
ISTANBUL
Initiated by the Turkish Environment and Urban Development Ministry in 2011, an new urbanization project covers the new airport, and railway and transportation networks aside from settlement areas. The residence population will be limited to 500,000 people within the KanalIstanbul (Canal Istanbul) project to preserve the environmental pattern of new settlement areas in Istanbul's northern parts, including the districts of Kayabaşı, Başakşehir and Arnavutköy. It has been decided that a well-organized settlement area will be built near the new airport in a bid to reduce dense housing and population in the city center. Başakşehir, Kayabaşı, Küçükçekmece and Kemerburgaz will feature newly-designed business centers and settlement areas. The urbanization project includes hospital construction, recreational areas, a university, educational institutions and other public areas. Additionally, the region will become a center of attraction with a giant fair, health and other service industry centers. Some financial centers, especially those situated in central but restricted parts of the city, will relocate and move to the project area. Primarily centered in Kayabaşı, the project area will first house 500,000 residents, with the number increasing to 700,000 in the following periods. The urbanization projects are conducted by the Housing Development and Administration of Turkey (TOKİ). Described as a dreamy urban area that can generate its own energy, the new settlements will be earthquake-resistant. To avoid possible environmental risks, the population will be reduced from its current rate that is 1.5 million people.
More:Environment-friendly population decrease model in northern Istanbul - Daily Sabah
