The Transformations in Laws Between 2002–2012 and the ‘Legal’ Future of Turkish Cities

Abstract

The legislative framework shaping urbanization and urban planning in Turkey has undergone dramatic changes since 2002. With the housing and construction sectors gaining prominence in the Turkish economy, legal frameworks have increasingly come under pressure from both government and market demands. As a result, urban planning and urbanization legislation has become more capital-oriented and politically centralised. Although the EU harmonisation process encouraged tendencies towards decentralisation, in practice decentralisation has remained superficial, with recent legal reforms strengthening the powers of central government at the expense of local authorities. These changes are expected to have diverse impacts across urban and rural areas, but particularly at their intersection, where urban sprawl is likely to emerge as a form of growth disorder. This paper examines the legal background of contemporary urbanisation in Turkey by analysing laws and amendments introduced after 2002, assessing their observed and potential spatial consequences for Turkish cities. The discussion moves from specific legislative changes to their spatial outcomes, and finally reflects on broader theoretical implications for understanding the legal future of urbanisation in Turkey.