İstanbul's Mega Projects Under Ecological Scrutiny: A Critical Assessment

Abstract

The increasing interdependence between cities and economies has led to a rise in mega projects, which are large-scale investment projects aimed at meeting economic and political demands. While they are planned for economic development, they have significant negative impacts on nature, cities, and people. İstanbul is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world and has become a popular location for planning mega projects. The 3rd bridge, 3rd airport, and Canal İstanbul are three mega projects developed by the government for urban development and social welfare. The purpose of the article is to reveal the ecological and spatial effects of mega projects in İstanbul. In order to achieve this aim, an analytical assessment method is applied using positive, neutral, and negative correlations for the selected mega projects in İstanbul. The inputs required for the analytical assessment method have identified in accordance with the fundamental principles of the eco-smart planning approach, which is established on the basis of ecological planning and smart city index. The outputs of the study suggest that ecological, social, and spatial impacts must be taken into account in the planning and implementation of mega projects. The study highlights that projects driven solely by economic priorities tend to result in negative urban, environmental, and social consequences in İstanbul.