Urban transformation or urban destruction? Hidden dangers in Istanbul’s renewal
In the Kucukyali, Istanbul, Türkiye, the excavation from a demolished building within the scope of urban transformation is waiting to be removed, with no safety measures in place, drawing attention. (Photo via Koray Erdogan/Türkiye Today)
Istanbul’s urban transformation is proceeding at full speed, with old buildings being torn down across the city. However, while these demolitions are meant to modernize and reinforce the urban landscape, they come with severe risks to public health and city aesthetics.
Thousands of buildings slated for demolition contain asbestos—a hazardous material known to cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
A city turned into a construction site
Istanbul has transformed into an endless construction zone under the guise of modernization, reinforcement, and renewal. The historical and cultural essence of the city has been altered so drastically that its original charm may never be recovered.
Once a city known for its aesthetic appeal and greenery, Istanbul’s beauty now exists mainly in old photographs.
True meaning of urban transformation
The term “urban transformation” entered Türkiye’s agenda after the 1999 Marmara earthquakes. Although the public largely perceives it as the demolition of unsafe buildings to construct earthquake-resistant structures, the concept actually encompasses a broader scope.
Urban transformation is a comprehensive renewal method aimed at addressing unplanned and irregular urbanization, rapid population growth, changing city functions, and increasing housing demands. However, rather than genuine transformation, Istanbul is witnessing chaotic redevelopment. Instead of maintaining architectural unity, many newly built structures continue the trend of unplanned urbanization, creating unsightly and mismatched cityscapes.
Urban transformation or merely building replacement?
Experts argue that true urban transformation does not involve property owners hiring private contractors to rebuild on the same plot. Replacing an old building with a new one without a holistic city planning strategy is not urban transformation—it is merely a structural replacement.
Parcel-based renewal is often disguised as urban transformation but, in reality, it is just legal rebranding. This approach results in individual buildings being demolished and rebuilt, ignoring the broader need for organized urban planning. Worse still, these demolitions pose immediate risks to surrounding structures. Excavating foundations without proper support frequently leads to the collapse of neighboring buildings.
Hidden asbestos threat in demolitions
Beyond structural risks, demolition debris often remains on-site for extended periods, creating another invisible hazard: asbestos exposure. Reports from scientific committees and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) warn that Istanbul residents are facing a serious asbestos threat due to the lack of pre-demolition asbestos inspections.
Except for a handful of districts, most demolitions in Istanbul proceed without asbestos assessments. This means not only construction workers but also their families and nearby residents are unknowingly exposed to asbestos fibers, which can remain airborne for long periods. These microscopic fibers, once inhaled, are directly linked to lung, throat, and digestive system cancers, with lung cancer being the most common.
Türkiye’s struggle with asbestos regulations
Although Türkiye banned the production and use of asbestos in 2010, the problem persists. Shockingly, despite the ban, the country imported 130,000 tons of asbestos over the past decade. In 2004 alone, Türkiye recorded 11,129 tons of asbestos imports, with 90% sourced from Russia.
While asbestos usage was brought under control in 2008 and officially banned in December 2010, exposure risks remain. Workers in shipbreaking, auto repair (brake pads), construction demolition, welding, insulation, and fireproofing still encounter asbestos, particularly in older buildings and industrial sites. The Gemi Geri Donusum Sanayicileri Dernegi (Ship Recycling Industry Association) reports that 238 ships were dismantled in 2010 alone, many of them containing asbestos components.
How can asbestos crisis be solved?
The key to addressing this growing public health crisis lies with local governments. While Türkiye’s Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change have established asbestos regulations, enforcement falls under district municipalities.
Currently, only three or four municipalities in the entire country actively conduct asbestos inspections before demolitions. This oversight leaves millions at risk. The dangerous nature of asbestos is compounded by the fact that its effects take years to manifest, leading many to underestimate its dangers.
Unless strict asbestos inspections are implemented before every demolition, Istanbul’s urban transformation will continue to be an unchecked urban destruction—one that poses long-term health risks for its residents.
