Two-year urban plan kicks off in Turkey

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet

The file picture shows a neighborhood in Istanbul’s Sütlüce district. Turkey is starting a sweeping urban transformation.

Most of the urban transformation projects in Turkey are to be completed in two years, despite the 20-year plan forecast, according to the City and Urban Planning Ministry. Currently. Buildings at the highest risk in the event of an earthquake are currently being identified.

“We are endeavoring to realize the transformation of hovels, illegal, unlicensed buildings and those without occupancy permits. We will let the citizens know that we are determined to do this. Then the transformation will be completed in five-year, seven-year, 10-year, 12-year, 15-year and 20-year plans,” said City and Urban Planning Minister Erdoğan Bayraktar.

Owners of buildings have a 15-day period to lodge an objection with the ministry against demolition decisions.

The ministry will establish publicity offices to explain the law to the citizens in the Istanbul, İzmir and Bursa provinces. Bayraktar said more offices may be established in the other areas where urban transformation projects will take place.