Urban Localities under Glocal Dynamics: The Case of Yeldeğirmeni

Abstract

As the population in world cities grow and urban transformation processes (gentrification, vitalization etc.) gain speed, it seems that both local and global dynamics intermingle. The term “glocal” has been used as the simultaneous occurrence of both universalizing and particularizing trends in contemporary socio-political, and socio-economic systems. Since 1990, many scholars argued that the welfare policies of urbanism are superseded by the “neo-urban politics”. This process ended up with a new focus on local economy and competitiveness that is empowered by the process of glocalisation. As far the as urban transformation/renewal/revitalization is concerned it seems impossible to isolate the process from the global market, city branding and the rising new middle class. In this article the term glocalization will be utilized in the context of İstanbul and it will be employed for having a better understanding the two general problematics: Firstly, how does local politics and competitive processes work under the pressure of globalization (i.e special attractions, branding, organizing international events); secondly how urban politics and local actors get influenced by it. The specific focus in this research will be the case of Yeldeğirmeni in Kadıköy which seems to be known as a positive and participatory model for revitalization in Asian side of İstanbul. However according to the findings of this study %90 percent of the people who reside here about 35- 40 years neighborhood have negative responses to it. The results of this study will be discussed in the context of new urban politics and its glocal consequences.