“Have you ever wondered how a city transforms?” That’s the question Tuzluçayır Mahallesi seems to whisper. Ankara’s urbanisation story is one of rapid growth and sprawling expansion. Tuzluçayır Mahallesi is part of this story.
Ankara is the capital of Turkey. It is Turkey’s political and administrative core. The city has experienced rapid growth in recent decades. Ankara’s population increased from 2 million in 1970 to 5.4 million in 2018. This rapid urbanisation brought challenges. Urban sprawl and fragmentation became defining characteristics of the city.
Despite government attempts Ankara’s pedestrian circulation is highly neglected. Narrow sidewalks are often occupied by cars. This leaves little room for walking. It also hinders the development of a socially active street life. Public interaction is confined to reserved areas. These areas include semi-public parks, shopping malls and cafes. A lack of quality open public spaces exists. Air pollution and accessibility pose challenges that Ankara must resolve.
To address these issues, Ankara is focusing on sustainable solutions. The city is preparing a bicycle strategy and master plan. They will develop urban designs. These designs will improve street quality and accessibility in Çankaya neighbourhoods.
The Global Future Cities Programme supports these efforts. It aims to create a city-wide Bicycle Strategy and Master Plan. The program assists pilot implementation in a prioritized area. This intervention seeks to integrate a bicycle transportation system. It integrates it within Ankara’s existing mobility network. It will address systemic improvements between bicycle and pedestrian interaction. It will also address bicycle and motor vehicle interaction. They consider park and ride systems. The design of a bicycle road network is also important.
The intervention targets neighbourhood scale actions. It changes the streetscape for better open public spaces and urban quality. The development of living streets is designed for pedestrians and cyclists. This creates safer spaces especially for children, the elderly, and women. It reduces barriers for the disabled. Streets can increase urban economy and security. They strengthen community identity and collective ownership.
This localised planning approach uses digital planning tools. It integrates them into the nationwide Smart City Strategy. The goal is a more liveable urban environment. This promotes a better quality of life.
As you stand here in Tuzluçayır Mahallesi, remember the city’s commitment to a greener future. Imagine cyclists gliding through redesigned streets. Picture children playing safely in new public spaces. This neighbourhood is part of Ankara’s transformation. A transformation towards a more sustainable and liveable city. It is a commitment to improve the quality of life for all residents.