In Istanbul, old and damaged buildings continue to pose a risk under the shadow of urban transformation debates. Following the collapse of a building in Maltepe that was not evacuated despite cracks, which resulted in the loss of 5 lives, similar scenes in different parts of the city are increasing concerns. Residents living in housing complexes in Etiler with cracked walls and pieces falling from their exterior facades continue to live in the middle of danger because a consensus on transformation cannot be reached.
In some housing complexes in Etiler, one of Istanbul's most valuable regions, it is visible that significant cracks have formed on the walls and concrete pieces have broken off from the facades. The fact that netting has been stretched over some balconies to prevent falling pieces from hitting passersby reveals the scale of the danger. Despite this, homeowners and tenants continue to live right next to the damaged walls.
CORE SAMPLE REPORT WARNED OF EVACUATION, NO AGREEMENT REACHED FOR A YEAR
In a roughly 59-year-old housing complex consisting of three blocks and 90 apartments, a report prepared after core samples were taken a year ago stated that the building was damaged and needed to be evacuated. However, when a consensus could not be reached among the flat owners, the urban transformation process was taken to court.
Despite the time that has passed, life continues in the apartments reported to be damaged. While some residents want an agreement to be reached as soon as possible so the buildings can be renovated, others argue that the structures are sound and claim that the transformation is motivated by profit.
“I CANNOT AFFORD THE RENT”
A homeowner who said they have lived in the complex since 1983 argued that the building is sound, stating that no furniture fell over in their home during the 1999 earthquake. Claiming that there was difficulty in taking the core sample and that the ground is bedrock, the homeowner stated that the apartments offered to them as part of the urban transformation are smaller than their current homes.
The homeowner expressed that they have apartments larger than 110 square meters, while they were offered 70-square-meter apartments, and spoke as follows:
“Not even a single glass fell over during the 1999 earthquake; this complex is that sound. They even had a hard time taking the core sample because the ground is bedrock. Also, these apartments are over 110 square meters. The apartments offered to us are 70 square meters; this is not normal. The place I would move to with rent through urban transformation needs to be in this neighborhood again, but in this situation, I cannot afford the rent.”
Stating that they are retired and live with their spouse, the homeowner expressed that they are not willing to agree, saying they could not afford high rents if they were to move.
SOME WANT TRANSFORMATION, OTHERS OPPOSE IT
Another homeowner who has lived in the same complex for many years stated that the building is old and the core sample report confirms this situation. Expressing that they could not reach a consensus with some neighbors and that an agreement could not be reached with contractors, the homeowner said, “Frankly, I am in favor of it being renovated.”
Similar scenes are drawing attention in another approximately 60-year-old housing complex in Etiler. While there are numerous cracks on the exterior of the building, nets stretched over balconies are used as a precaution against falling concrete pieces. There is also a dispute over urban transformation in this complex.
“THE ONLY PURPOSE OF THE COMPLEX IS TO OPEN IT UP FOR PROFIT”
A homeowner who has lived in the same complex for many years opposed the transformation, claiming that the structure is one of the soundest complexes in Istanbul. Arguing that the damage on the exterior is merely plaster falling off, the homeowner said that the nets were stretched for this reason.
Stating that they also experienced the 1999 earthquake, the homeowner said, “There are friends here who want to leave, just as there are those like me who do not want to leave. The cracks and falling pieces on the outside are just plaster. We put up nets so that the falling plaster would not hit people. There have been so many earthquakes until now, we haven't experienced a single tremor. We saw the 1999 earthquake; ask in which house a single glass broke. It is a beautiful area. The only purpose is to open this place up for profit, nothing else,” they expressed.
TRADESPEOPLE ARE ALSO WORRIED: “I AM UNEASY WHILE WORKING”
The danger in the complex affects not only the residents but also the businesses. A.Ç., who works as a barber on the ground floor, stated that they have been working in the same shop for about 40 years but are now worried.
Drawing attention to the nets stretched to prevent pieces from falling on their customers, A.Ç. said, “You saw the view yourself. There is a net so that nothing falls on my customers' heads. Frankly, I am uneasy while working and have started looking for a shop. But rents in this neighborhood are incredibly expensive. My customer base is also always on this side, but on the other hand, I am afraid,” they said.
Another resident of the complex said that they want urban transformation but that not all their neighbors think the same way. They stated that the fact that elderly residents, in particular, are not keen on moving makes reaching a consensus difficult.
“THEY ARE WAITING FOR DEATH”
M.K., who runs a hair salon on the ground floor of the complex, also expressed that the disputes over transformation make finding a solution difficult. Reminding that there are 90 apartments in the complex and that many people are retired, M.K. stated that moving and rental costs are a significant problem.
M.K. said, “There are 90 apartments here, where will these people go? Most are retired. Some apartments do not even have floor permits. Everyone is worried, asking ‘Where will we go?’ They are waiting for death. The state needs to find a solution; not everyone has the economic power to move into a rental.”
THE COMPLEX RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET HAS BEEN RENOVATED
In a three-block housing complex located right across from the risky buildings in Etiler, urban transformation has been completed. With the completion of the renovated buildings, the property owners have moved into their new apartments.
On one side, there are residents who have completed their transformation and started living in their new buildings, while on the other side, there are people who continue to sit next to cracked walls and falling facades. While the deadlock in urban transformation, high rental costs, and the differing expectations of property owners are among the obstacles to a solution, the tragedy in Maltepe where 5 people lost their lives brings the risks in similar buildings to the agenda once again.
News Source: 12punto
