A Study on the Public Service Areas in Ankara Gultepe Neighborhood

Abstract

The industrialization in the 1950s has led to the rapid population increase in the Turkish cities. Unhealthy and illegal constructions have mushroomed to meet the growing demands of the population triggered by rapid urbanization, which has caused infrastructure problems, inadequacy of the spaces necessary for the development of the individual and society, and a decline in the quality of life. To eliminate such problems, urban transformation projects have been implemented in Turkey with the basic aim of creating an urban environment offering a healthy and high quality life for residents by reducing disaster risk in the cities. Public service areas are needed for the development of the individual and society in urban areas. There are legally-defined standards in Turkey for the adequate and accessible level in cities to serve as educational facilities, health facilities, religious facilities, cultural and sports facilities, green areas and play gardens. The first settlement in Gultepe Neighbourhood, located on Altındag Hill, started in the 1930s. Since it has a sloping land structure, the settlement is reserved as a green area in the urban plans. However, its close proximity to the Ulus trade center has caused low-income people from the rural areas to prefer this place for their unplanned and illegal settlement. The area, which had become a complete slum over time, was included in the urban transformation project that began in the 2000s. Through a survey, the people living in Ankara Gultepe Neighborhood where this urban transformation was in progress, were asked about the adequacy and accessibility of public service areas and the results were discussed.