Smart city applications in urban transformation areas: Istanbul-Esenler district

Uncontrolled growth of cities, rapid urbanization, migration, unplanned construction and disasters are among the obstacles to sustainable urban development. In addition to these problems, nowadays, epidemics have also been included in the urban challenges. Sustainable development and economic development must be achieved in the cities, which are constantly evolving and developing. The smart city model is among the sustainable city models. In this context; It becomes necessary to prepare a roadmap for smart cities that allow stakeholder participation, aim to increase the quality of life with innovative technologies, and ensure efficient use of resources with smart solutions. Another important issue is the necessity of transforming cities with urban transformation implementation and buildings that are built contrary to the zoning legislation into sustainable cities. Urban transformation implementation areas are considered as opportunities for the implementation of sustainability components. In Turkey, although there are municipalities carrying out work related to the smart applications; Istanbul province, Esenler District selected by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization as a pilot area has taken the first and biggest step in the transformation into smart cities. In this study, it is aimed to measure the smartness potential of Esenler District. In this context; indicators, subcomponents and components for measuring the smartness potential of Esenler District were determined, and a questionnaire was conducted to Esenler Municipality and expert opinions were consulted. With smart solutions in Esenler, the reproduction of the areas is discussed and the positive and negative aspects of the project planned to be implemented are revealed.