We Supported Istanbul Residents with Social Projects

We said, “Full Speed Ahead to the Future with Solidarity!” and continued to expand our social projects and strengthen solidarity in 2024:

  • We increased the number of Kent Lokantası (City Restaurants) to 15, serving 12,000 people daily, sharing not just meals but also goodwill.
  • We opened new daycare centers across the city, reaching a total of 111 centers, reducing educational inequality and supporting mothers in joining the workforce, thus promoting women’s employment.
  • We distributed approximately 10 million liters of milk through the Halk Süt (People’s Milk) program, ensuring children’s nutrition and reaching families in need across the city.
  • We provided Anne Kart (Mother Card) support to 126,000 new mothers, offering free transportation for mothers with children aged 0–4.
  • Through IMM Dormitories, we provided modern housing for nearly 5,000 university students in 14 dormitories, ensuring safe and affordable accommodation.
  • We supported newlyweds by offering 15,000 TL in financial aid to couples in need, helping them build happy homes.
  • With the Newborn Support Package, we provided essential items for the first four months of life to growing families, ensuring they were not alone in their first moments.
  • We empowered women through the IMM Women’s Center and Psychological Counseling Center, offering support in social and psychological areas.
  • We began offering free HPV vaccines to protect the health of young people aged 16–24.
  • Through the “Sen Oku Diye” (So You Can Study) project, we provided scholarships to 100,000 students, including orphans, children of martyrs, and students with disabilities.
  • The “Kızlar Okusun Diye” (So Girls Can Study) project turned the educational dreams of 10,000 girls into reality.
  • We established Technology Workshops in 10 districts to help students achieve their dreams.
  • We supported farmers with production and sales assistance and strengthened cooperatives through Halk Market.
  • We stood by small businesses with Halk Bakkal, providing bread support and expanding solidarity through the Askıda Fatura (Bill on Hold) program.
  • We offered special support packages to families of martyrs, veterans, and citizens with disabilities.
  • We extended a helping hand to the elderly with home care services.
  • Through the IMM Social Support Card, we quickly delivered aid to those in need.
  • We provided Market Support and Urban Transformation Support to retirees, offering 10,000 TL in cash aid and covering up to 65% of reconstruction costs.
  • Through the Istanbul Foundation, we delivered sacrificial donations to those in need.
  • We provided shelter for the homeless and transportation support for job seekers.
  • Through Regional Employment Offices, we continued to open new job opportunities for citizens.
  • With Enstitü Istanbul İSMEK, we reached 741,412 participants in the 2023–2024 period, offering free education to Istanbul residents of all ages.
  • Our remote education platform created Türkiye’s most comprehensive public education catalog, earning the Golden Spider Award.

We Launched an Urban Transformation Mobilization Against a Potential Istanbul Earthquake

We said, “Full Speed Ahead to the Future with Safe Transformation!” and continued our projects tirelessly in 2024:

  • In 3 districts, we carried out 7 projects, providing solutions for 370 independent units and their residents.
  • We laid the foundations for 11 urban transformation projects and continued the construction of 15 ongoing projects.
  • We completed 6 projects and 3 urban transformation phases, delivering keys to rightful owners.
  • Under the “Istanbul is Renewing” project, we received 5,000 applications in 2024.
  • With over 44,000 units and approximately 150,000 people involved, we signed cooperation protocols between 8 district municipalities and KİPTAŞ.
  • Together with İmar AŞ, we conducted 7,164 reconciliation meetings for urban transformation projects in 5 districts.
  • In İsmetpaşa Neighborhood, in collaboration with the Department of Earthquake Risk Management and Urban Improvement, we completed 435 agreements, 359 title deed deliveries, and 172 key handovers, returning residents to their homes.
  • With İSKİ, we protected our water resources by demolishing 291 illegal structures in 10 districts near critical water sources. Additionally, we demolished 10 derelict buildings in 6 districts.
  • Under the Earthquake Mobilization Plan, we completed 19 projects worth 9.7 billion TL this year.
  • While 88 projects with a budget of 44.6 billion TL are ongoing, 72 projects worth 40 billion TL are nearly ready to begin.
  • We conducted 1,421 building scans for rapid screening and inspection.
  • We trained 99 personnel in rapid screening in collaboration with 8 district municipalities.
  • To accelerate the renewal process for high-risk buildings, we provided 35 million TL in rental assistance to 930 rightful owners.
  • Through applications to our Financial Support Package, we provided 6.7 million TL in aid.
  • At our Urban Transformation Offices, we communicated with 12,000 citizens, offering support and guidance.
  • We completed the final phase of our micro-zoning study, mapping the ground profile of 257 square kilometers across 8 districts in 2024.

We Continued Transportation Investments Without Slowing Down

We said, “Full Speed Ahead to the Future with Easy and Fast Transportation!” and made significant investments to strengthen Istanbul’s transportation network:

  • We provided uninterrupted transportation across 241 kilometers and 235 stations of metro lines. With over 2 million trips, Istanbul residents made 910 million journeys. Our weekend night metros carried nearly 3 million passengers, increasing the metro’s share in Istanbul’s transportation to 45%.
  • The M9 Ataköy – Olimpiyat Metro Line eased traffic in the region.
  • The M5 Üsküdar-Samandıra Metro Line’s Çekmeköy-Samandıra Central section connected Çekmeköy to Üsküdar.
  • We nearly completed the second phase of the M5 line and the M12 Ümraniye-Ataşehir-Göztepe line, with both set to open in 2025.
  • With 8 ongoing metro lines and 2 in the planning phase, Istanbul became the city with the most metro construction projects in the world.
  • Our metrobuses completed 6,120 daily trips, carrying 285 million passengers annually and covering 80 million kilometers. At night, metrobuses safely transported 7 million passengers.
  • We expanded our bus fleet by adding 230 new vehicles and opened 25 new routes. Over five years, we increased daily bus trips by 11,000 and opened 150 new routes.
  • In maritime transportation, we conducted 325,000 trips, serving 40 million passengers.
  • We added the Tuzla-Pendik-Büyükada line, increasing the number of maritime routes to 32.
  • At the Golden Horn Shipyard, we provided maintenance and repair services to 101 ships and built 6 new ships.
  • We introduced 7 sea shuttles, which began operating on the İstinye-Küçüksu and Beykoz-Sarıyer lines.
  • We restored the historic İsmail Hakkı Durusu ferry, returning it to the sea.

Women’s Role in Istanbul’s Transportation

  • The first female inspection supervisor began working on IETT metrobuses.
  • The number of female drivers increased to 173, and the number of female managers in IETT rose from 22 to 50.
  • In City Lines, 21 female sailors are now employed.
  • At Metro Istanbul, the number of female employees quadrupled in five years, with 323 train drivers, 81 engineers, and 15 technicians, contributing to a more inclusive Istanbul.

We Preserved Istanbul’s Rich History

We said, “Full Speed Ahead to the Future with Our Cultural Heritage!” and implemented significant projects in 2024 to carry Istanbul’s cultural legacy into the future:

  • Restored the Historic Bakırköy Gunpowder Factory, transforming it into a library and cultural center for Istanbul residents.
  • Opened Bulgur Palas as the city’s new cultural and arts center.
  • Repurposed the Golden Horn Shipyard into Istanbul Art, a cultural hub.
  • Opened Çubuklu Silos as a museum, stage, and library.
  • Introduced the İSKİ Terkos Cultural House to Istanbul residents.
  • Established the Istanbul Design Museum in the Historic Sıra Dükkanlar.
  • Transformed Taksim Maksemi into the IMM Republic Museum.
  • Opened art centers in Kâğıthane, Maltepe, and Bakırköy, bringing culture to neighborhoods.
  • Restored Belgradkapı of the City Walls, opening it with a visitor center.
  • Increased the number of libraries from 20 to 71 in five years.
  • Protected 974 heritage sites and conducted comprehensive restoration on 63 monumental structures.
  • Reconnected 207 historic fountains to water and added 35 new museums and living spaces to the city.
  • Organized 244 exhibitions, establishing Istanbul as an international cultural and arts hub.
  • Conducted 4 archaeological excavations, uncovering Istanbul’s millennia-old history.
  • Continued meticulous work on Rumeli Hisarı and Bukoleon Palace.
  • Prepared Kuyumcular Han in Perşembe Pazarı as a new cultural and arts center.
  • Renovated theater stages to bring them back to art enthusiasts.
  • Continued exploring the city’s layers through excavations at Theodosius Harbor and Saraçhane.

We Preserved and Expanded Istanbul’s Green Spaces

We said, “Full Speed Ahead for a Greener Istanbul!” and continued to grow Istanbul’s green areas:

  • Contributed to the renovation of 13 parks and green spaces and completed landscaping for 13 village parks.
  • Progressed significantly on 5 new life valleys, nearing completion.
  • Welcomed nearly 1.3 million visitors to City Forests, where residents enjoyed the beauty of nature.
  • Organized over 2,500 environmental events, including dolphin observation and gardening workshops.
  • Added 1,174,826 square meters of green space and planted nearly 70,000 trees this year. While expanding, we also preserved existing greenery, maintaining 192,000 trees.
  • Identified and protected 3,300 monumental trees.
  • Began work on the Büyükçekmece Lake Natural Life Park and conducted studies to protect Istanbul’s plant and animal species.
  • Under the Istanbul Biodiversity Project, identified 1,550 species and added three new plant species to scientific literature.
  • Properly disposed of 2.2 million tons of solid waste to protect the environment.
  • Produced 8,237 tons of compost from organic waste, which was used in green spaces.
  • Kept our seas clean, collecting 7,724 cubic meters of waste from the sea surface and 29,438 cubic meters from shores and beaches.
  • Recycled waste collected from ships, generating 207 million TL in revenue.
  • Expanded facilities, opening Europe’s largest landfill leachate treatment plant in Şile.
  • Began operations at an industrial waste incineration plant meeting EU standards.
  • Gained global recognition for our efforts. Istanbul was named One Planet City and won first place in a WWF competition.
  • Increased the number of Garden Markets to 12 and integrated laboratory services into the bahcemarket.com website to reach more people.

We Strengthened Istanbul’s Infrastructure and Superstructure

We said, “Full Speed Ahead to the Future with Solid Foundations!” and made historic investments in 2024 to prepare Istanbul’s infrastructure and superstructure for the future:

  • Built 230 kilometers of drinking water pipelines and 321 kilometers of wastewater and stormwater pipelines.
  • Treated 4.5 million cubic meters of water daily at 90 wastewater treatment plants, protecting the environment.
  • Reduced water loss and leakage rates from 22.31% to 18.5%, saving 145 million cubic meters of water.
  • Constructed 11 new water reservoirs with a total capacity of 97,500 cubic meters, ensuring uninterrupted water service.
  • Built 24,000 meters of stormwater channels to prevent floods and waterlogging.
  • Completed Türkiye’s and Europe’s largest landfill leachate treatment plant in just 11 months.
  • Contributed to recycling with the Kömürcüoda Industrial Waste Thermal Disposal Facility, Istanbul’s first industrial waste incineration plant, with an annual capacity of 33,000 tons.
  • Laid 1.5 million tons of asphalt from Silivri to Tuzla, renewing 327,000 square meters of pedestrian areas.
  • Built 15.7 kilometers of concrete roads, strengthening environmentally friendly transportation infrastructure.
  • Conducted maintenance and repairs on 284 underpasses and overpasses, renewing 1.4 million square meters of space.
  • Installed 337,000 meters of guardrails, 12,000 meters of pedestrian barriers, and 13,000 meters of motorcycle-friendly barriers, enhancing transportation safety.
  • Added 8 new life valleys, creating 390,000 square meters of green space for Istanbul residents.
  • Through İSTON AŞ, achieved over 3 billion TL in sales, efficiently utilizing resources.
  • Expanded natural gas access, installing 12,802 service boxes and 110,000 meters of connections, with a total of 350,683 meters of pipelines across 39 districts.
  • Increased energy production capacity from 60 MW to 205 MW with 5 new energy production facilities.
  • Established 52 solar power plants with a total capacity of 4.9 MW.
  • Expanded free IMM Wi-Fi to 13,000 locations and introduced unlimited internet service on metro lines.
  • Strengthened disaster management with the Digital Twin Project, using 3D models to enhance Istanbul’s disaster preparedness.

We Spread Culture and Art Across Istanbul

We said, “Full Speed Ahead to the Future with Culture and Art!” and opened new horizons for Istanbul’s cultural and artistic life in 2024:

  • Opened the Digital Experience Museum in February, combining art and technology, welcoming thousands of art enthusiasts.
  • Alongside the Digital Experience Museum, Panorama 1453 History Museum, Miniatürk, Turkic World Cultural Neighborhood, Basilica Cistern, and Şerefiye Cistern hosted a total of 3.8 million visitors.
  • Expanded the Istanbul Bookstore family with 11 new branches.
  • Brought together 800,000 art lovers at events held at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theater.
  • Reached approximately 620,000 spectators at City Theaters in one year.
  • Festival Parks across Istanbul brought 1 million people together with culture and art.
  • Hosted numerous events at new cultural centers like Baruthane, Bulgur Palas, and Çubuklu Silos.
  • Through Radar Türkiye, we became the country’s most comprehensive culture and art platform, reaching millions.
  • With the Sahne Senin (The Stage is Yours) project, we provided young talents with opportunities to perform in our museums, continuing to make art accessible.
  • Through Koltuk Senin (The Seat is Yours), we offered free event experiences to young people, strengthening their connection to culture and art.
  • Supported new-generation artists by hosting their works at Taksim Sanat, fostering creativity and innovation.
  • Opened Istanbul Art on the Golden Horn shore, establishing a new cultural hub for the city.
  • Organized summer events on the Princes’ Islands, offering Istanbul residents a summer full of art and entertainment.
  • Opened museums for free during Ramadan and special occasions, sharing cultural heritage with all citizens.
  • Digitized Cemal Reşit Rey’s valuable works, preserving them for future generations.
  • Established the Republic Museum, preserving our history and passing on national values to future generations.
  • Strengthened national unity and solidarity through events organized on national holidays.
  • Nurtured future artists at Children’s Art Centers, inspiring children to dream big.
  • Hosted 9,300 events across 410 locations, including concerts, theater performances, exhibitions, cinema screenings, workshops, and talks, reaching 7.2 million Istanbul residents.

We Are Making Istanbul a City of Sports

We said, “Full Speed Ahead to the Future with Sports!” and achieved record-breaking successes in 2024:

  • At the 46th Istanbul Marathon, we reached the highest participation in history with 40,443 athletes from 117 countries.
  • The 19th Istanbul Half Marathon celebrated international success with participants from 72 countries, breaking records in 20 categories.
  • The 2nd Tour of Istanbul hosted 154 athletes from 15 countries, with races held across the city.
  • For the first time in Türkiye, we organized L'Etape Türkiye by Tour de France in Istanbul, with 3,000 cyclists participating.
  • At the 4th International Golden Horn Rowing Races, 110 teams and 550 athletes competed.
  • Opened new water sports centers in Florya, Örnektepe, Tuzla, and Bostancı.
  • Secured the 2027 European Games for Istanbul and took strong steps toward hosting the 2036 Olympics.
  • Strengthened sports infrastructure with the Gaziosmanpaşa Sports Complex, 100th Year Stadium, and Yedikule Metin Kurt Sports Facility.
  • Engaged 2 million Istanbul residents in sports at 70 sports facilities.
  • Trained future athletes in 220 school sports halls.
  • Increased the number of children attending IMM Sports Schools annually from 15,500 to 132,000.
  • Supported 1,403 amateur sports clubs, schools, and institutions.
  • Hosted 41 sports events with 91,418 athletes.
  • Introduced 8,797 children to nature camps.
  • Organized the IMM Dormitory Sports Festival, hosting 5,047 students.
  • Through the Yürü Be İstanbul (Walk Istanbul) initiative, 22 billion steps were taken, reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
  • Helped 2.2 million Istanbul residents embrace healthy living through home exercise programs.
  • At the 4th Ulugazi Oil Wrestling Festival, 672 wrestlers, including 67 başpehlivan (chief wrestlers), competed.
  • Celebrated Disability Week with 3,000 athletes, breaking barriers together.
  • Continued construction of 8 new school sports halls, ensuring access to sports for all ages and neighborhoods.
  • Prepared Istanbul for an Olympic future by creating the city’s first sports master plan, aiming to build sports facilities in every neighborhood and school.