Resilient Istanbul against the evolving challenges

Abstract

<p>Cities are increasingly faced with the complexities, the uncertainties, local and global challenges. These problems make pressures on the life of cities and cause direct, indirect, tangible and intangible damages on physical structure, natural environment, social fabric, cultural heritage and economic situation of the cities. In order to make cities resilient against these pressures, it is substantial to improve skills to cope with these difficulties and strengthen coping capacity of urban elements. Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city, hosted many civilizations with its 8500 year history, has dealt with the earthquakes, epidemics, floods, fires, water shortages, economic crises throughout its historical process. Istanbul with more than 16 million population is still trying to struggle against the challenges based on natural events and climate change, the consequences of irresponsible urbanization, socio-economic and cultural stresses and environmental problems. This study reveals Sustainable Resilence Strategy of Istanbul with Sustainable Development Goals against to current and evolving acute shocks and chronical stresses by taking lessons from the past, forecasting future challenges, risk reduction, supra disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies,  holistic approach, shared decision making with multiple criteria ,  competent planning, manageable systems, resource management, funding capability, alternative strategy formation capability, reserve capacity, ensuring coordination between systems, increasing adaptive, absorbing and transformation capacity, providing continuity, developing national and international cooperation.</p>