Exploring the Fringe-Belt Phenomenon in a MultiNuclear City: The Case of Istanbul

Abstract

This paper examines historic land use changes to the fringe-belt zones ofIstanbul, and in particular looks at the transformation of areas such asthese into CBDs due to the effects of urban growth development cycles.The study is based on detailed research into the selected case study areasregarding changes in their land-uses within the overall urbandevelopment pattern of Istanbul. Once in the periphery, many of theseareas now reflect CBD characteristics as a result of their developmentcycles. Urban fringe-belts are the urban peripheries of earlier periodsthat have become enveloped by the city through urban growth, and overtime these areas adjust to the ever changing dynamics of urban land-use.In contrast to the dense urban texture of previously developed regionsof the city, fringe-belts have a more loose texture and frequently retainthe potential for the creation of public spaces. These include the opengreen areas, institutional areas, and industrial heritage sites that haveconnections with urban identity, and which are therefore essential forurban memory. Fringe-belts are both heritage areas and ecologicalcorridors that create buffer zones to protect the natural landscape fromurban sprawl. However, due to the requirements of rapid population growth, they are often seen as potential development areas and thosethat remain become alienated. Understanding the formation andmodification dynamics of fringe-belts is important for both theappreciation and management of cities, and also for the determinationof urban areas’ future development.