An assessment on social and spatial segregation in metropol cities: Case of Istanbul Kemerpark Houses

The gated communities developed together with the concept of metropolitan city in Turkey and used as the equivalent of social and spatial segregation in cities are a new settlement alternative that emerged around the world in the 1980s and in Turkey in the 1990s. These communities which are located on the fringe of a city and addressing the lifestyle of the upper-income group are defined as safe living areas involving all functions within them.In this study, it is aimed to investigate the dynamics that lead to social and spatial segregation in different regions of İstanbul since 1990s, on the case of Esenler-Kemerpark Houses within a geographical approach. Within the scope of the study, a survey was conducted in the site of Kemerpark Houses representing gated communities and in the district of Kemer consisting of oldhouses surrounding the site. 211 survey forms selected by its accuracy, validity and significancy were evaluated by SPSS analysis method.According to the results obtained, these recently shaping socio-spatial segregation areas ? which show substantial differences in terms of spatial, social, economic characteristics- reveal that there is social and spatial segregation between center-periphery areas. In addition, as the access to transportation facilities is a significant reason of choice both for constructors and inhabitants, it is concluded that the transportation, as a geographical factor, plays a main role in spatial segregation. Additionally, factors like security and desire to live in an elite neighborhood which provides prestige and high social status are also effective.