March 16, 2017 by

Istanbul Embraces Good and Bad in a Bold Vision for the City

CRTKL’s Edgar Kiviet discusses the lessons he learned at Turkey’s MIPIM panel and how they will affect Europe in years to come.

Turkey’s real estate professionals have been on an image-building mission at MIPIM in recent years, and this year is no different. Displaying a compelling model of Istanbul under the banner “Two Continents, One City,” business leaders laid out their arguments today in a session called, “Why is Turkey a hot spot for investors?” in an effort to attract large-scale investment in the city’s future.

What was striking about the panel session—and what perhaps should be the biggest takeaway for people building and regenerating cities all across Europe—was the honesty of the approach. Rather than turn its back on the need for affordable housing, hope for the best on earthquake threats for older property, or brush challenges like the influx of Syrian refugees under the marketing rug, the panel tackled these issues head on, describing bold steps taken by the city to create secure, integrated and thriving communities.

At the same time, the panel made much of the city’s unique opportunities, including a population than is far younger (60% under 40 years old!) than in most other European cities. As this population increasingly professionalises, Istanbul is looking at innovative ways to attract and retain this life force, which it sees as key to the city’s success.

I left the session inspired, with a powerful reminder for everywhere we work in Europe: the future might be uncertain, but anything is possible with prosperous and productive cities.