Istanbul’s Fikirtepe District Receives 11,000 New Earthquake-Resistant Homes
Istanbul, May 18 – The challenging urban transformation process in Fikirtepe, Istanbul, which remained incomplete for many years, has finally been resolved by the state. The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, has been completed, and deliveries of the new units commenced today.
Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, announced the completion of the project, stating, “It had become a chronic problem, and we have solved what remained unresolved for years. Through our Urban Transformation Presidency and Emlak Konut, we have completed 11,729 earthquake-resistant independent units in New Fikirtepe. We are relocating approximately 25,000 citizens to our disaster-resilient homes. Deliveries begin today. Our New Fikirtepe Project, which also includes education, health, and sports facilities, mosques, and a 120,000 square meter public garden, is beneficial for our nation.”
Years of Grievances Addressed in Fikirtepe
Fikirtepe, designated as a “Special Project Area” in 2005, declared an “Urban Transformation Area” in 2007, and granted “Risky Area” status by a Cabinet decision in 2013, saw private sector projects repeatedly fail to materialize, leaving thousands of rights holders whose homes were demolished in limbo for years. The process, which frequently reached dead ends due to plan cancellations and disagreements, was taken over by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change in 2021.
To end the citizens’ long-standing grievances, the Urban Transformation Presidency and Emlak Konut GYO took action. The project area was planned to comprise 55% social facilities. Emlak Konut has completed 11,729 independent units in the first phase of Fikirtepe.
25,000 Citizens to Reside in Disaster-Resilient Homes
Minister Kurum shared the news on his social media account, announcing the start of deliveries: “It had become a chronic problem, and we have solved what remained unresolved for years. Through our Urban Transformation Presidency and Emlak Konut, we have completed 11,729 earthquake-resistant independent units in New Fikirtepe. We are relocating approximately 25,000 citizens to our disaster-resilient homes. Deliveries begin today. Our New Fikirtepe Project, which also includes education, health, and sports facilities, mosques, and a 120,000 square meter public garden, is beneficial for our nation.”
New Fikirtepe: Social Facilities and a Public Garden
New Fikirtepe now boasts 11 mosques, 8 educational facilities, 1 health facility, 1 sports facility, social and cultural areas, and a public garden spanning approximately 120,000 square meters. This comprehensive effort has not only addressed the citizens’ grievances but also created a modern living space that is earthquake-resistant, has strong infrastructure, and is equipped with green areas.
Deliveries Have Commenced
With the commencement of the delivery process, all rights holders can access their property information through the Urban Transformation Presidency website, https://kdb.gov.tr/. Citizens can manage the key handover process through the Urban Transformation Presidency offices.
