The number of independent housing and commercial units completed under urban transformation projects in Istanbul has surpassed 1 million, Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum said on Sunday, pledging to accelerate efforts to strengthen the city's resilience against future disasters.
Sharing footage from the Tokatköy urban transformation project in Istanbul's Beykoz district, Kurum said more than 1 million units had now been renewed in the city.
"We have transformed 1 million homes in Istanbul. We will continue urban transformation at full speed to prepare our city for disasters," he said.
According to figures released by the ministry, 1.298 million independent housing and commercial units have been included in urban transformation projects across Istanbul since 2012. Of those, 1.007 million units have been completed, while work continues on another 291,000.
The ministry said the Urban Transformation Directorate has brought 2.761 million independent units nationwide into the renewal process since its establishment in 2012, completing work on 2.378 million units, with 383,000 still under construction.
It noted that one out of every two projects carried out by the directorate has been implemented in Istanbul, where authorities have prioritized efforts because of the city's high earthquake risk.
As part of the latest projects, Emlak Konut completed two phases of redevelopment in Tokatköy, constructing 823 independent units, including 776 homes and 47 commercial spaces. The first phase has already been delivered to beneficiaries, with 227 homes and 35 shops handed over.
Residents welcomed the redevelopment, saying it had significantly improved both safety and living conditions.
Ali Dinç, who moved into his new home in Tokatköy, said the neighborhood's old buildings had been vulnerable, adding that emergency vehicles previously struggled to access the narrow streets.
"Nothing remains of the old neighborhood. Foundation piles were driven down to the bedrock. Because of that, I feel comfortable and at peace," he said.
Another homeowner, Kazım Sönmez, said the area had been transformed into a modern living space with earthquake-resistant buildings.
"I never imagined it would turn out like this. They have created a real living space here," he said, encouraging residents to take part in urban transformation projects.
The ministry also highlighted progress under the Half on Us (Yarısı Bizden) campaign, one of Istanbul's flagship urban transformation initiatives.
So far, 384,553 independent units have been included in the program. Under the building-based model, homeowners are eligible for TL 875,000 ($18,267) in grants, TL 875,000 in low-interest loans and TL 125,000 in relocation support, totaling TL 1.875 million in assistance.
For large-scale area-based redevelopment projects carried out by the Housing Development Administration of the Republic of Türkiye (TOKI) or Emlak Konut, beneficiaries receive a TL 875,000 grant and TL 125,000 in relocation assistance, with the remaining construction costs payable through long-term installment plans.
