ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 380

Introduction
Istanbul believes in a “human” centered development. Sustaining the existence of human beings
in a strengthened way is only possible by realizing the principles of equity and sustainability.
According to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Environmental Protection and Control Department,a sustainable social life can only be a meaningful part of national and international agenda
if it presents a more honored life to people. In other words, an economic structure which places
more emphasis on environmental values can only be acceptable and applicable to the extent that
it contributes increasingly to human development for present and future generations.
The ‘nature’ of Istanbul has changed over time by the human, and all the impacts of those changes have led to something called “Unsustainable Growth”. If we take a close look of the human
and environment relationships. Glacken (1967) mentions that the cities are examples of nature
conquered by humans. The ‘spirit’ of the city includes the connection of all the capital forms, and
environmental characteristics have changed over the last 3 years.
Rapid development under the definition of urbanization leads to ignoring the environmental
concerns and break the natural cycle to some extent (Hotta 2004). Istanbul the heartbeat of Turkey is one of the most dynamic and largest cities of Turkey, with around 15 million dwellers, and
it is the best-known example of transcontinental cities that covers parts of Asia and Europe geographically.
To put all of the following data and articles into broader perspective, first needs to be mentioned
as the main driving forces of any society, such as Rapidly Population, Refugees, Education, Healthcare, and Employment; these are considered in view of critical transitions in the evolution of human society. Second, inspired by a group of reports and articles which concetrate on the sustainble social conditions, problems and develompent in the city of Istanbul; for this, it is approached
to set and summirize the social challenges with thiers develompents plans and statigises towards
a sustianble society and human capital. Finally, to conclude that by demonstrating this, the way
to sustainable development passes through powerful strategies and recommendations. However, without the awareness of restrictions to such development and knowledge of international
models proactive approach cannot be applied.
The aim of this paper is to assess the actions which Istanbul has realized during its sustainable
development process, in order to reveal the policies which will apply in the future, to determine
its “vision” and to evaluate the possible contribution of Istanbul to solve their social problems
reaching by that a hight level of sustainability for the social factor.

Methodology
The motivation for selecting Istanbul as a case study for this study is that, Istanbul shows a highly
sincere, solution-based, law and justice-oriented approach to both regional and global issues.
Its approaching to international issues, global and regional matters with human-centered, conscience-oriented principles, are advocating the supremacy of law, not the law of the superiors.
Besides prevention of ongoing war and conflicts, and establishment of peace, Istanbul attaches
equal importance to sustainable development, equitable distribution and particularly the alliance of civilizations and believes wholeheartedly that a different world could be built with a belief
in the richness of the differences.

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ZEMCH 2015 | International Conference | Bari - Lecce, Italy