Sulukule Renewal Project Istanbul, turkey 2005 www.mapsofworld.com Victoria Kim Professor Pipkin PPD 113: Poverty in Dev Countries 3/7/2014

introduction Theodosian Walls, Byzantine Empire Law no. 5366 (2005): “Preservation by Renovation and Utilization by Revitalizing of Deteriorated Immovable Historical and Cultural Properties” Demolition & reconstruction: Urban Transformation Project (UTP) Sulukule (“Water Tower”) Renewal Project = first UTP in Istanbul Historic neighborhood, rich cultural assets UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1985 http://inuraistanbul2009.wordpress.com/workshops/law-no-5366-based-urban-renewal-processes-in-the-historic-city/picture8_sulukule-before_2007/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walls_of_Constantinople Theodosian Walls, Byzantine Empire

Regional Map of istanbul www.lonelyplanet.com Google Earth http://www.citymaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/sulukule.pdf

demographics 80% of the Fatih residents are Roma (Gypsy) Community dating from Byzantine Empire Socially and economically ostracized– not recognized as an official ethnic group in Turkey Informal settlement (shanty town, squatter community) high unemployment, substandard infrastructure Ethnic enclave in Sulukule Historical settlement rich with music/entertainment http://www.ivrindi.com/2011/11/11/the-guardian-sulukule%E2%80%99de-fiyatlar-10%E2%80%99a-katlandi/ http://www.manuchao.net/new/gipsy-band-gogol-bordello-supports-sulukule/

Governance &public service delivery Fatih District, Istanbul Metropolitan District, TOKI (State Housing Administration), 2006 “Renovation, restoration, rehabilitation” Clear area for luxury villas/townhomes, entertainment/cultural center, and hotel Three options given to Sulukule residents 1. Pay difference between current property value and proposed townhome (determined by Fatih District) 2. Sell property/title deed to private developer(s)or TOKI receive subsidy to TOKI apartment in massive housing project at Tasoluk Tasoluk = 25 miles away from Istanbul 3. Face forced eviction TOKI paid 500 TL/sq meter for original property; auction at 3000 TL/sq meter for each townhome

Sulukule Tasoluk Before After http://inuraistanbul2009.wordpress.com/workshops/law-no-5366-based-urban-renewal-processes-in-the-historic-city/ http://www.panoramio.com/photo/26103925 http://www.samanyoluhaber.com/ekonomi/Sulukule-projesi-iptal-edildi-hem-de-teslimata-13-gun-kala/776105/ http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Tasoluk-8/forecasts/latest http://www.panoramio.com/photo/39671397

economic sector Social value of cultural assets underappreciated in decision-making process Human capital, social network, solidarity Private benefit > social benefit New townhomes aimed towards middle-high income groups Proposed cultural center have displays of Roma community Construction sector stable in financial crisis Increasing urbanization rates -> housing demands http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/evacuated-sulukule-to-be-restored-as-heritage.aspx?pageID=238&nID=42208&NewsCatID=341

Civil society Sulukule Platform “40 days 40 nights” 2007 Publicity, media STOP Initiative (Planners without Borders), Ankara Professional network propose alternative plans and solutions (rejected) Sulukule Platform + STOP Initiative = Sulukule Studio Istanbul Chamber of Architects, Istanbul Chamber of City Planners, Sulukule Roma Association File petitions an lawsuits to domestic courts Project implementation continue despite legal battles in 2008 UNESCO: gentrification project Underground water channels, archeological discoveries during excavation Sulukule Roma Association apply to European Courts of Human Rights, 2010 http://40gun40gece-sulukule.blogspot.com/

Alternative plans Fatih District’s plan http://sulukulegunlugu.blogspot.com/2008/09/sulukule-toplumsal-gelime-ekonomik.html Fatih District’s plan

conclusion 2012 Istanbul 4th Administrative Court revoke plan: “not in the public interest” BUT according to Hurriyet Daily News on March 3, 2013 “Fatih Municipality did not revoke its plans…appealed to….Council of State” Currently (2014): Project still ongoing Quote from http://www.errc.org/article/turkish-court-halts-disputed-renovation-project-in-historic-sulukule/3999 Hurriyet daily news http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/evacuated-sulukule-to-be-restored-as-heritage.aspx?pageID=238&nID=42208&NewsCatID=341