Slums and Social Housing in Istanbul

The Marmara earthquake of 17 August 1999 also had repercussions in Istanbul: significant destruction occurred, especially in the Avcılar district. Building control, compulsory insurance against the effects of earthquakes, the obligation to carry out preliminary studies of the soil and subsoil before any construction operation, the development of topographical studies, geological control of construction will play an important role in increasing the resistance of constructions to earthquakes. With the implementation of these planning and construction criteria, and with the preparation of master plans and urban design plans, taking into account the soil/subsoil compatible construction system, new constructions have been stopped for some time in Istanbul. The transition to a new type of construction can be seen as a factor that would minimise the risk of earthquake damage. It is in this context that the construction of social housing takes place. This study focuses on the particular case of the constructions carried out by Kiptaş.