We are working tirelessly across various areas, from infrastructure enhancements to rent support to strengthen Istanbul’s resilience against potential disasters and ensure the safety of its residents. We are accelerating urban transformation to eliminate risks and protect lives.

Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), along with its numerous divisions and affiliates, is taking extensive measures to prepare the city for earthquakes. This includes providing disaster education to residents, launching projects to expedite urban transformation, and offering financial and rent support—up to 65% financial aid and 12,000 TL monthly rent assistance—to overcome economic barriers to urban renewal.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Superstructure

To mitigate the risks of potential disasters like earthquakes and floods, we are renewing Istanbul’s infrastructure and superstructure, investing billions of liras in these efforts.

  • Since 2019, we have invested 65 billion TL in infrastructure, separating wastewater from rainwater, protecting the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea, and reducing water pollution.
  • We eliminated chronic flooding issues at 143 locations, strengthened stream basins, and created greener spaces.
  • We renewed and reinforced public spaces, such as coastal areas, squares, streets, and parks, making them safer and more robust.
  • Significant transportation points like the Grand Istanbul Bus Terminal and Galata Bridge, as well as bridges, viaducts, and overpasses, have been reinforced to withstand disasters.

Logistics Centers for Disaster Response

We have opened Alibeyköy Logistics Center and Cebeci Logistics Center, with the construction of Tuzla Market still ongoing. These facilities are strategically designed to function as critical bases during earthquakes or other emergencies.

Natural Gas Safety with Early Warning Systems

In collaboration with İGDAŞ, we launched the Earthquake Risk Reduction System, installing devices to measure seismic activity across 832 regional regulator stations in the natural gas distribution system. These systems ensure natural gas safety during earthquakes, preventing potential risks and damages.

Fire Brigade of Istanbul

Empowering Istanbul’s Fire Brigade

We have significantly enhanced the Istanbul Fire Department, making it a robust institution capable of assisting not only Istanbul but all of Türkiye.

  • We established the K-9 Search and Rescue Team at Başakşehir Resneli Fire Station.
  • Opened the Clean Air Breathing Apparatus Test and Maintenance Center and the Fire Training and Simulation Center, training firefighters for scenarios like rescues, firefighting, and vehicle operations.
  • Launched the Mobile Communication Vehicle, serving as a mobile command center during emergencies.
  • Renovated and modernized fire stations citywide, adding more living and office spaces.
  • Expanded the number of fire stations to 133, increased personnel from 4,263 to 4,590, and added 134 new vehicles, reducing fleet age from 16 to 12 years.

Disaster Education Reaching 2.5 Million Residents

We provide disaster education to over 250,000 people annually, covering topics like earthquake awareness, fire safety, search and rescue, and first aid. In addition, we’ve distributed educational materials, including a Braille Earthquake Safety Book and an audiobook version for visually impaired individuals.

Renewing Istanbul

Urban transformation is at the core of our mission to reduce disaster risks.

  • Through the Istanbul is Renewing project, we’ve facilitated urban renewal by acting as a bridge between contractors and property owners, providing solutions for 2,093 units across 16 projects and delivering 11,039 units through 19 projects.
  • Using the Rapid Screening Method, we analyzed over 35,000 buildings, identified 1,556 critical structures, and initiated demolition and renewal processes.
  • We provide up to 65% financial aid for urban transformation projects, covering up to 60% of construction costs for low-income residents and 65% for retirees.
  • For those displaced during urban transformation, we offer monthly rent aid of 10,000 TL and 12,000 TL for low-income retirees.

Paving the Way for Urban Transformation with Zoning Solutions

We have resolved zoning and land registry issues in areas of Istanbul that have waited for solutions for nearly half a century. Through zoning and solution offices, we have created collaborative, participatory, and permanent solutions, enabling land title deliveries. In districts such as Sarıyer, Ataşehir, Gaziosmanpaşa, Eyüpsultan, and Beşiktaş, we have facilitated the approval of zoning plans, accelerating urban transformation efforts.

Identifying Risky Buildings with the Rapid Screening Method

We are conducting structural analyses across Istanbul to identify buildings at very high risk and initiating urban transformation by demolishing high-risk structures.

  • Using the Rapid Screening Method, we have analyzed over 35,000 buildings and identified 1,556 that are on the verge of collapse.
  • In all identified high-risk structures, we informed district municipalities and property owners.
  • We are continuing official procedures and demolition processes for 274 buildings, working to relocate over 10,000 residents into earthquake-safe homes as quickly as possible.

Providing Up to 65% Financial Support for Urban Reconstruction

In addition to our efforts to ensure urban reconstruction and make the city safer, we stand by our residents with significant financial support.

To accelerate the renewal of structures owned by retirees and low-income residents, we signed the Urban Reconstruction Financial Support Protocol between IMM and KİPTAŞ in August 2024. This protocol allows eligible Istanbul residents to benefit from substantial financial assistance.

We will cover up to 60% of the construction project costs for low-income residents and up to 65% for retirees, helping to remove financial barriers to urban reconstruction.

Providing Up to 12,000 TL Monthly Rent Support with IMM Assistance

In addition to the ministry’s support, we launched the IMM Rent Support Assistance Project to assist tenants and property owners living in non-risky buildings under reconstruction. Under this project:

  • 10,000 TL monthly rent assistance is provided to tenants and property owners whose buildings are demolished and evacuated for renewal.
  • 12,000 TL monthly rent assistance is provided to low-income retirees.

This initiative helps facilitate urban reconstruction, preventing housing issues and eliminating grievances for those displaced due to reconstruction efforts.

Protecting Istanbul’s Heritage Against Disasters

Through IMM Heritage, we work to protect and strengthen Istanbul’s unique historical treasures, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Restoration and reinforcement efforts are ongoing for landmarks such as the City Walls, Basilica Cistern, and Anatolian Fortress, as well as neglected structures like Taş Mektep and Bulgur Palas. These projects safeguard Istanbul’s cultural and architectural legacy, transforming them into enduring gifts for today and tomorrow.