The first seminar of ‘İstanbul Urban Studies’ series organized by Istanbul Medeniyet University Department of Urban and Regional Planning was held online on Friday, April 16, 2021. Moderated by Res.Asst. Ayça ÇELİKBİLEK, the seminar hosted Urban Planner (M.Sc) S. Kutlu NEYDİM from the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.
NEYDİM studied the re-identification strategies of Istanbul through the example of Süleymaniye in her research titled ‘Re-Identification of Historical Cities: Example of Suleymaniye‘.
The researcher examined Suleymaniye, one of the most outstanding examples of Istanbul’s urban identity and cultural heritage, which is on UNESCO‘s World Heritage List, and which has been exposed to multiple effects under the umbrella of transformation and gentrification. Süleymaniye, which is a neighborhood going through a period of transition and transformation, is located at the center of the historical peninsula. NEYDİM discussed these transformations through urban planning history, changes in the built area, and the socio-cultural composition of the neighborhood.
In the following Q&A section, she referred to the difficulties and restrictions she faced during her fieldwork. She also mentioned her professional take on the future planning practices of the area which may lead to an efficient and positive urban transformation process.
