Examination of urban transformation practices in metropolitan municipalities: The case of Tekirdağ

This study, titled Examination of Urban Transformation Practices in Metropolitan Municipalities: The Case of Tekirdağ, investigates the urban transformation policies implemented in metropolitan municipalities across Turkey, with a particular focus on Tekirdağ, a city located on the North Anatolian Fault Line, making it highly susceptible to seismic activity. The research is structured to provide a comprehensive analysis of Tekirdağ's urban transformation process, which is critical due to its geographical location, historical urban fabric, and the need for seismic risk mitigation. In the introductory section, the study explores Tekirdağ's geographical, demographic, and economic characteristics, as well as its development trajectory. The city's urban structure, socio-economic dynamics, and the challenges posed by its historical development are examined in relation to the pressing need for urban renewal. Particular attention is given to Süleymanpaşa, the historical center of the city, which has a significant amount of outdated and vulnerable building stock, requiring urgent transformation to reduce disaster risk, especially given the area's exposure to a high likelihood of earthquakes. The second part of the study delves into the broader national context of urban transformation in Turkey, reviewing the legal frameworks, policies, and regulations that govern these initiatives. It analyzes the roles and responsibilities of metropolitan municipalities in managing urban transformation projects, with a focus on how recent legislation has influenced local governments' ability to act. This section provides a theoretical foundation for understanding how these policies are applied within the context of a city facing both rapid urbanization and significant environmental risks. In the subsequent chapters, the study specifically examines Tekirdağ's approach to urban transformation after the city became a metropolitan municipality in 2012. One of the key milestones in Tekirdağ's urban transformation strategy was the establishment of an administrative framework for disaster-resilient urban development. The collaboration with Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) to develop the Süleymanpaşa Earthquake Master Plan is highlighted as a crucial step in identifying high-risk areas and implementing targeted intervention strategies. Additionally, the designation of Altınova as an urban transformation zone in 2021 is discussed as part of the city's efforts to address structural vulnerability and improve overall resilience. Interviews with both decision-makers and local residents provide valuable insights into the expectations, priorities, and challenges faced by stakeholders in the urban transformation process. The study highlights the importance of in-situ transformation, a strategy that has garnered significant support from residents due to its focus on preserving the social fabric of neighbourhoods while mitigating the risk of displacement. This approach contrasts with previous initiatives that proposed relocating residents to different parts of the city, a proposal that was met with resistance and ultimately failed to gain traction. The study further explores the technical considerations in the selection of areas for urban transformation. The importance of evaluating risk factors, such as seismic activity, land stability, and environmental conditions, is emphasized as a key element in the planning process. The analysis of these factors reveals the necessity of focusing on areas with higher vulnerability to disasters, such as flood-prone or seismically active regions, and suggests that more resilient sites should be prioritized for new development. In conclusion, the study offers a detailed examination of Tekirdağ's urban transformation process, underscoring the need for a strategic approach that balances disaster risk reduction with sustainable urban development. The findings indicate that, while current transformation efforts are a step in the right direction, further attention must be given to addressing the specific needs of high-risk areas. Future projects should focus on relocating vulnerable populations away from floodplains and seismic zones, while prioritizing the regeneration of neighbourhoods with high population density to maximize the efficiency of urban transformation efforts.