Vedia Dokmeci

Transformation of Istanbul from a monocentric to a polycentric city

Abstract This paper investigates the spatial transformation of Istanbul from a monocentric to a polycentric city following the growth of the city and the development of its communications systems. The population and employment of peripheral districts have been growing rapidly, while those of the core districts have decreased. In addition, other variables are utilized for the identification of polycentres such as tax revenues from commercial enterprises, weighted average trip length and volume of mail. The results of the study reveal that the old CBD of Istanbul is no longer a dominant employment centre. Instead, a new CBD is emerging at the intersection of the radial and the peripheral highways, and subcentres are developing in some of the first and second ring districts. A major contributing factor to Istanbuls polycentric development has been the transformation of its economy into one that requires large modem office space and facilities for private automobiles—both of which are difficult to provide wi...

Residential-location preferences according to demographic characteristics in Istanbul

Abstract Istanbul is a rapidly growing city whose urban structure and socio-economic characteristics are constantly evolving. Residential preferences of the population are continually adapting to its changing conditions. According to many studies, the life cycle is the main explanatory factor in intra-urban migration. This study investigates residential-location preferences with respect to different age groups, household sizes and income groups. The results, which show a strong desire for mobility in middle and older age groups, are in contrast with the findings of Western studies. At the same time, while young people’s preferences are concentrated in the periphery, a large percentage of middle and older age groups prefer to move to the intermediate area between the core and the periphery, now the most easily accessible zone in the city.

Revitalisation of the Main Street of a Distinguished Old Neighbourhood in Istanbul

Abstract This study investigates the revitalisation of the main street of Beyoglu, which was the westernised part of Istanbuls CBD in the nineteenth century. Beyoglu started to develop in the sixteenth century with the introduction of embassy buildings of European countries. Its development reached a climax during the nineteenth century as a result of increased European trade and cultural influence, remaining the most distinguished quarter of Istanbul until the 1960s. Thereafter, it suffered from decay, disinvestment and abandonment as a result of later suburbanisation and the multi-centre development of Istanbul. Revitalisation of the quarter started with the pedestrianisation of the main street. This study investigates the functional transformation and changes in land prices along the main street and surrounding neighbourhoods after the pedestrianisation. The factors which effect land prices are investigated by the use of regression analysis. According to the results, access to mass transit is the most important factor. Besides its convenient central-city location, with easy access to the citys main transportation arteries, no doubt also its distinguished architectural character contributed to its revitalisation. Although the revitalisation of the main street as a cooperative movement of public and private sectors, effectively, it was a market-lead restructuring afterwards. At the same time, international companies opening up stores reflecting the globalisation movement increased the attractiveness of the main street. The results of the study can be used by urban planners, policy-makers and investors for the revitalisation of other historical neighbourhoods in Istanbul and other cities. For further research, hierarchical analysis of spatial impacts of revitalisation areas is suggested.

The evolution and distribution of hotels in Istanbul

Abstract Istanbul is a world‐famous tourist attraction centre owing to its unique location, nature and history. The restructuring process of the 1980s focused on the tourist industry as a means of promoting economic development, and the number of hotels in Istanbul increased dramatically. Although tourism is one of the countrys growing industries, little research has been done on the subject. Largely, research in tourism has become a form of market research, with official statistics, and very little being collected on the supply side. Thus, this study focuses especially on the supply side end investigates the historical and spatial development of hotels in Istanbul. The results of the study illustrate that hotels were mostly concentrated in or near the CBD until the 1950s. Later, hotels started to decentralize as a result of the polycentric development of the city and to take advantage of the amenities along the sea coast end Bosphorous. Further research is suggested to compare the development of hotels ...

Residential preferences in Istanbul

Abstract Since the 1950s, the provision of housing, services and infrastructure has not kept pace with the rapid population expansion of Istanbul. While some of the modern districts have become comparatively more attractive, the historic districts have lost population due to the deterioration of their neighbourhoods. These changes have created locational advantages and disadvantages which are reflected in the urban land markets and have resulted in intra-urban migration. In this study, the residential preferences of individuals are investigated with respect to their socio-economic characteristics and the general characteristics of the districts. The result of a survey are evaluated with respect to a cross-tabulation. Thus, proximity to relatives, a clean and quiet neighbourhood and a stable social environment are common factors for all income groups. This illustrates the traditional social values that transcend income levels, as well as the universal desire to escape the environmental pollution and social deterioration of a large city. The results of the study can be useful in city development plans and house-building programmes.

Spatial Analysis of Residential Prices in Istanbul

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine the spatial distribution of housing prices at the metropolitan and at the district level of Istanbul. At the metropolitan level, the most important factors which affect housing prices are sub-market, floor area and sea view. At the district level, housing prices vary from district to district according to locational, socio-economic and property characteristics. High-income sub-markets have higher coefficient of determinations and more significant variables than low-income sub-markets. Furthermore, the results suggest that planned districts have higher housing prices; thus, restructuring squatter areas and revitalizing inner city areas provide not only benefits to individuals but also higher tax revenues to the city.

Urban Restructuring of Istanbul

After 1980s, the major cities of Turkey have experienced urban transformation process following the changes in the international trade policy and the impact of globalization. Istanbul took the highest amount of share from these transformation processes as being the most important economic, cultural and tourism centre and the most integrated centre to the world economy of the country. This paper describes Istanbuls historical development, investigates demographic profile and spatial distribution of employment and illustrates multi-centre development of the city. Decentralization of population and jobs illustrate the multi-centre development. Multi-centre development contributes to sustainable urban development which provides efficient energy use and prevents pollution. Istanbul having a long history, large population and being in a very strategic location between Asia and Europe greatly effected from globalization which is reflected in its transformation of urban structure and increased land values and thus offered great opportunities for the real estate investors. The role of Istanbul within the world hierarchy of cities is suggested for further research.

Spatial Distribution of Shopping Malls and Analysis of their Trade Areas in Istanbul

Abstract This paper investigates the spatial distribution of shopping malls with respect to population and analyses the factors which effect the shopping mall location. According to the results, while the shopping mall space ratio is higher than population ratio in the intermediate zone, the reverse is true in the periphery. The relationships between the shopping mall space and income, population and distance to the central business district (CBD) of the locations are investigated by the use of regression analysis. The results reveal that income is the only factor affecting the location of shopping malls among those considered. In addition, three shopping malls from the inner and peripheral zones of Istanbul were analysed with respect to frequency to shopping centres and characteristics of trade areas. According to the results, the size of the catchment area of the shopping mall from the inner zone is larger then the peripheral ones due to higher accessibility with alternative transportation systems and supporting functions in its surrounding areas. The results fall within the concept of central place theory. Further research is suggested by expending the study to the other areas of the city with different characteristics to calculate their retail potential and their spatial implications.

Spatial Determinants of Housing Price Values in Istanbul

The aim of this study was to measure the effect of spatial characteristics on housing prices and to integrate an interpolation and regression model in terms of spatially predicting housing price values. In this paper, housing price is investigated by taking into consideration distance to city centre, transportation arteries and coasts, in addition to housing and neighbourhood characteristics as control variables. This investigation is conducted in two stages: firstly by the utilization of multiple regression analysis, and then by an interpolation technique which is generated to predict the spatial pattern of housing price on a continuous surface in order to test the reliability and consistency of the regression model. The results reveal that housing prices are significantly affected by spatial determinants referred to as the distance variables. By conducting a residual analysis from the regression model, housing price values are analysed and visualized in a continuous map which is globally consistent with the housing markets in Istanbul.

International telecommunications in Turkey

This paper aims to study the relationships between telecommunications and international movements of factors such as exports, imports and tourists in Turkey. A multiple regression analysis is used to analyze the relationship between international telephone calls and international movements. Incoming tourism is the dominant movement explaining growth in international calls. Thus, the international movement of information as expressed in international telephone calls has been shown in the case of Turkey to be dependent to some extent on other movements. Further research is suggested on the regional impact of international telecommunications in developing countries.