Biological diversity of urban green spaces; the case of Istanbul's national gardens

The aim of this study is to determine the importance of urban green spaces in terms of their impact and contribution to biodiversity. The study was carried out in various National Gardens with green area status consisted of Ayazma, Baruthane, Başakşehir, Çırpıcı, Halkalı, Hoşdere, Kayaşehir, Nakkaştepe and Pendik. Landscape planning, landscape design and applications implemented in national gardens are evaluated with an ecologically oriented perspective. In this context, on-site observations, project evaluations and literature research were carried out. Within the scope of the study, it is aimed to evaluate the suitability of the areas for wildlife, to reveal the value of biodiversity of the study areas, to develop suggestions that can contribute to biodiversity and wildlife, and to evaluate criteria such as protection development and sustainability in the mentioned national gardens. Furthermore, global comparisons of such gardens were made by interpreting the common points, similarities and differences of the national gardens and some urban parks in the world. According to the study, it has been determined that Istanbul National Gardens are designed by developing a human-oriented approach, thus they can meet the physical, social and recreational needs of the users. On the other hand, it is observed that ecological planning approaches such as nature and environmental protection remain in the background in the national gardens. It is thought that it would be beneficial to arrange various technical details on issues such as structural and plant landscape design elements, selection of plant material and plant species, wildlife management in the area, protection of biodiversity in the area, and maintenance in the national gardens. In addition, it is thought that the arrangement of the national gardens within the framework of the practices in the city parks that stand out in the world and the ecological-oriented perspective in the management approach will contribute to the national gardens.