History of the Gecekondu in Istanbul Turkey
Turkey, a major nation in the eastern Mediterranean, has a unique culture and form of homebuilding known as gecekondu. Gecekondu loosely translates as “built overnight”, and it has become an iconic part of the Turkish landscape. Dating back hundreds of years, gecekondu refers to structures lower in economic and societal status, with a lack of formalised building regulations. In Istanbul, they are known as squats or informal settlements, made of concrete and brick, often without services such as sewage disposal or plumbing. Often seen as unlawful constructs, gecekondu have become an increasingly accepted phenomenon in Turkish cities like Istanbul.
In recent years, gecekondu has gone from being frowned upon to being more openly accepted by both local authorities and the residents themselves. This has led to a boom in construction, particularly in the city of Istanbul. According to the stats of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the number of gecekondu has risen to about 40.5 percent of the whole housing units formed in the city between 2000 and 2019.
Nature of Gecekondu in Istanbul
The majority of the gecekondu in Istanbul are constructed with concrete and brick, the material of which often dictates the nature of the building. In most cases, the gecekondu present only basic provisions, without access to amenities such as sewage disposal or piping. The majority of the gecekondu also lack legal titles or documents that would make them legitimate in the eyes of the law. This has created many problems as they have been built on public land or lands owned by somebody else. This has led to conflicts of ownership in many cases.
Despite this, gecekondu have been embraced by their owners. When building a gecekondu, people often employ local construction workers to help them build it, while contributing with their own labour. In addition, the affordability of a gecekondu means that it can be seen as a viable housing option for many people in Istanbul.
Evolution of Gecekondu in Istanbul
In recent years, the gecekondu have seen a major transformation in Turkey, with legislative changes to recognise and regulate them. This has had a major impact on the gecekondu in Istanbul, with the most recent law of 2017 allowing residents in neighbourhoods consisting of at least 70 percent gecekondu, to obtain legal documents and titles. This has allowed gecekondu owners to own their houses, register them, and obtain financial aid.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has also contributed to the transformation, introducing regulations for gecekondu construction. This includes the implementation of building regulations and standards, as well as providing easier access to financial aid for those building a gecekondu. In addition, the municipality has improved infrastructure in some gecekondu neighbourhoods, contributing to improved living conditions.
Gecekondu and Local Economy
The gecekondu have also had a major impact on the economy in Istanbul. The increasing population of Istanbul has been met with a rise in demand for housing, creating an ideal environment for the gecekondu. This, in turn, has created employment opportunities, with an increasing number of people employed in the construction of gecekondu.
In addition, the affordability of gecekondu mean that they are an attractive option for people on low incomes. This creates an injection of money to the local economy, as people living in gecekondu neighbourhoods have more money to spend on goods and services.
Gecekondu as Future Of Housing in Istanbul
Gecekondu has become increasingly accepted by the people of Istanbul, and is now seen by some as the future of Istanbul’s housing. This is due to the increasing recognition of gecekondu by the local government, as well as the ease of construction and the affordability of gecekondu.
Gecekondu has become an increasingly accepted form of homebuilding in Istanbul as it provides an affordable and easy housing solution for many people. This has led to an increase in construction in the past few decades, and is likely to continue to do so in the future.
Socio-Economic Issues
Despite being seen as a viable form of housing, gecekondu have also caused a number of socio-economic problems in Istanbul. The affordability of gecekondu has made them an attractive option for people on low incomes, however, this has led to the concentration of poorer people in some neighbourhoods, leading to issues such as crime and unemployment.
The lack of basic amenities in many gecekondu has also been an issue, with the conflict between old and new structures causing tension in many areas. This has been exacerbated by the lack of government intervention in gecekondu neighbourhoods, with many of them lacking the basic services of electricity, roads and sewage systems.
Government Intervention
Despite the issues, the government has taken steps to address the problems caused by gecekondu. In addition to the regulations introduced in the 2017 legislation, the government has increased its financial aid for gecekondu building. This has allowed gecekondu owners to obtain legal documents, which has led to improved living conditions in some areas.
In addition, the government has begun to provide infrastructure to gecekondu neighbourhoods in Istanbul. This includes providing access to basic amenities such as drainage, electricity and roads. These steps have improved living conditions in some areas, and the government is expected to continue with its efforts in the future.
Societal Perception
In recent years, the perception of gecekondu has also shifted in Turkey, with an increasing number of people accepting them as a part of the country’s cultural landscape. This shift has been evident in Istanbul, where gecekondu neighbourhoods are no longer seen as “shanty towns” but are now seen as viable places to live by many people.
An increasing number of people have begun to move to gecekondu neighbourhoods, as they are seen as a viable and affordable housing option. This shift in perception has been embraced by many people in Istanbul, who now see gecekondu as part of the city’s identity.
Environmental Issues
Gecekondu have had a major impact on the environment in Istanbul due to the increasing number of buildings built in a short period of time. This has led to rapid urbanisation in some areas, with the destruction of green spaces in the city due to the construction of gecekondu. In addition, the lack of regulation in gecekondu construction has meant that many homes are built to a low standard, leading to air and water pollution in the city.
In response, the government has begun to introduce regulations to ensure that new gecekondu are built to a higher standard, while also encouraging the improvement of existing structures. The government has also encouraged the use of renewable energy sources and green spaces in gecekondu settlements, in order to reduce the environmental impact of gecekondu construction.
Conclusion
Gecekondu is an iconic part of Turkey’s culture, with an increasing number of people embracing it as part of their identity. Gecekondu has become an increasingly accepted form of homebuilding in Istanbul, and its popularity has led to a boom in construction. Gecekondu has become an increasingly accepted form of housing in Istanbul, and is seen by some as the future of Istanbul’s housing. The government has also taken steps to regulate and improve gecekondu neighbourhoods, and to ensure that future gecekondu are built to a higher standard. Despite this, gecekondu have also had a major impact on the environment, leading to air and water pollution in some areas.
