Who is Istanbul Planning Agency President Buğra Gökce? Why was he arrested?

As part of the investigation conducted into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, arrest warrants were requested for 92 people, including IMM President Ekrem İmamoğlu. In the investigation, arrest decisions were issued for 4 individuals. Among those arrested is Istanbul Planning Agency (İPA) President Buğra Gökce. So, who is Buğra Gökce?

WHO IS BUĞRA GÖKCE?

Born in Ankara in 1974, Buğra Gökce graduated from the Gazi University Faculty of Architecture, Department of City and Regional Planning in 1995. After completing his master's degree in 2000, he finished his doctorate at the METU Department of City Planning in 2008. He received a scholarship from the Japanese government to study urban planning and transportation investments in Japan.

Beginning his academic career in 2005, Gökce served as a part-time faculty member at METU and Gazi University for many years. He earned the title of associate professor as of January 2025.

BUĞRA GÖKCE'S CAREER

Starting his public service career in 1996 at the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Zoning Department, Gökce contributed to many projects in the field of urban planning until 2009. Between 2009 and 2010, he served as the President of the Izmir No. 2 Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Following the 2014 local elections, he was appointed as the Head of the Department of Science Affairs at the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality. Appointed as Deputy Secretary General in the same year, Gökce became Secretary General in 2017. He played an active role in the management of infrastructure, superstructure, and urban transformation projects in Izmir.

News Source: 12punto