Beware of air quality in Istanbul, Ankara: High pressure from Africa lingers
A vessel passes through Bosphorus on a rainy winter day in Istanbul, Türkiye, January 25, 2025. (AA Photo)
A high-pressure system from Africa is affecting Türkiye, causing more air pollution and reduced visibility in several cities.
The impact is severe as officials have warned residents about worsening air quality in Istanbul and Ankara and health risks, especially for vulnerable groups.
Air quality in Istanbul expected to deteriorate due to fog, pollution
In Istanbul, the high-pressure system has caused persistent fog and smog, with no rainfall expected to clear the air in the coming days.
Meteorology expert Dr. Guven Ozdemir from Istanbul Aydin University explained to Anadolu Agency that this phenomenon happens when land surfaces cool rapidly overnight, trapping pollutants close to the ground.
Areas with the worst air quality in Istanbul:
- Goztepe
- Kartal
- Fikirtepe
- Uzuncayir
- Mecidiyekoy
- Kagithane
Ozdemir urged residents to be cautious, especially during morning and evening hours when pollution levels peak.
Chronic patients and children should stay indoors as much as possible as the poor air quality could worsen respiratory conditions.
We expect fog and smog to persist throughout the week, making it critical for residents to monitor pollution levels before heading outdoors.
He also emphasized the importance of wearing masks outdoors, noting that air pollution could aggravate existing illnesses. Istanbul’s geographical structure, with its hills and valleys, makes pollution accumulate in certain areas.
“The city’s dense traffic and industrial activities create an ongoing cycle of pollution, which is further trapped by weather conditions like this high-pressure system,” he said regarding air quality in Istanbul.
Traffic congestion, urbanization directly contribute to worsening air quality in Istanbul
Experts blame increasing urbanization and traffic congestion for Istanbul’s declining air quality.
Professor Huseyin Toros from Istanbul Technical University (ITU) explained that the city’s 6 million registered vehicles play a major role in air pollution. He described the situation as a “heat island effect,” where emissions from vehicles and industry increase temperatures and worsen air quality in Istanbul.
“Every vehicle acts like a stove,” Toros said. Traffic congestion forces cars to idle for long periods, releasing pollutants into the air. Istanbul was recently ranked as the world’s most congested city, surpassing New York, making air quality concerns even more pressing.
Meteorology consultant Orhan Sen also pointed out that reduced green spaces and increasing skyscrapers make pollution worse. “The heat island effect is real. Green areas are disappearing, and high-rise buildings are blocking the natural wind flow that would normally help clear the air,” he said. “As a result, pollution levels in areas like Mecidiyekoy and Kartal remain dangerously high.”
Professor Toros further emphasized that prolonged exposure to such conditions could lead to long-term health complications. “Air pollution isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a silent health crisis that leads to cardiovascular diseases, respiratory infections, and lower overall life expectancy,” he explained.
Ankara air pollution reaches dangerous levels, posing health risks for vulnerable residents
Data from the National Air Quality Monitoring Network shows that air pollution in Ankara has reached the “sensitive” level, marked with an orange code. This means individuals in risk groups, such as those with chronic illnesses, children, and the elderly, may experience health complications due to pollution exposure.
Key pollution levels in Ankara:
- Cankaya: 111
- Bahcelievler and Ulus: 114
- Batikent: 105
- Kecioren Sanatoryum: 102
The national safety threshold for air quality is 50. Current readings in Ankara place the city in the “sensitive” category (101-150), meaning pollution levels pose health risks for vulnerable groups.
Meteorology expert Dr. Guven Ozdemir warned that the situation could deteriorate further if air pollution remains high for extended periods. “Long-term exposure to this level of pollution can lead to chronic respiratory issues and exacerbate conditions like asthma and bronchitis,” he said.
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change monitors air quality through 382 stations nationwide. Experts warn that if pollution levels keep increasing, Ankara could soon enter the “unhealthy” category.
Dr. Ozdemir emphasized, “Without immediate interventions such as traffic restrictions and emission control measures, Ankara’s air quality will continue to decline.”
Health concerns, long-term solutions to improve air quality in largest Turkish cities
The World Health Organization (WHO) links air pollution to millions of deaths annually, primarily due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Toros warned that unless measures are taken to reduce emissions, the air quality in Istanbul will continue to decline, increasing health risks for residents.
Short-term solutions suggested by experts:
- Encourage public transportation use
- Reduce unnecessary vehicle idling
- Wear masks outdoors when pollution levels are high
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak pollution hours
Long-term measures to mitigate air pollution:
- Expand green spaces
- Improve public transit infrastructure
- Enforce stricter emission regulations
- Implement low-emission zones in high-traffic areas
Dr. Toros also stressed the need for public awareness campaigns regarding air quality in Istanbul and other major cities. “If residents understand the risks and actively reduce their environmental impact, we can take collective steps toward improving air quality,” he said.
For now, residents in both Ankara and Istanbul should take precautions, limit outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, and monitor air quality updates closely. Experts continue to stress the urgency of addressing these environmental challenges before they become irreversible.
