Sustainable urban concept in a different perspective slow cities (Cittaslow): Seferihisar case

Sustainability is defined as the retention of the human negative impact on the ecosystem at the level which should not exceed carrying capacity of the system, inorder to transmit the non-renewable resource to future generations. Sustainable cities are the places where the environmental concerns are aligned with socio-economic interests to ensure the continuity of transformation and development. Moving from this definition, different approaches have been developed to ensure the sustainability of cities.In this study, ?Cittaslow (Slow City)? approach is investigated as a different view on the concept of sustainable urbanization. In this context; through literature reviews, reasons which cause Slow Cities are revealed and criteria that have to be fulfilled by the cities eager to be identified as Slow City are put forward. Additionally, Cittaslow movement?s historical process and the situation throughout the world is examined with examples.In the light of data and information obtained, Seferihisar is investigated to determine how Cittaslow criteria affects the cities? physical and socio-cultural sustainability. In this context, Cittaslow is discussed whether it can be put as a sustainable model city or not.Keywords: Cittaslow, Seferihisar, Slow City, Sustainable City, Sustainability