Karatay Becomes a Global Model in Urban Development

At the 7th Urban Economy Forum (UEF7) held in Toronto, Canada, Karatay Municipality represented Turkey and received the title of "Turkey's first pioneer city" in the field of Sustainable Development Goals. Karatay Mayor Hasan Kilca presented the district's urban transformation and cooperative housing projects during the meeting.

Mayor Hasan Kılca shared Karatay Municipality's projects based on environmental sustainability and economic accessibility, presenting the district's urban vision on an international platform. Within the scope of the forum, Karatay received the title of "the first pioneer city in Turkey" in the area of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This significant achievement was formalized through a cooperation agreement signed between Karatay Municipality and the Urban Economy Forum (UEF). The agreement was signed by UEF President Reza Pourvaziry and Mayor Hasan Kılca.

Karatay Becomes Turkey's First Pioneer City

The 7th Urban Economy Forum in Toronto aims to strengthen intercity cooperation, reshape urban economies, and advance sustainable development efforts on a global scale.

The forum stands out as one of the world's leading platforms for urban economy, focusing on housing finance, efficient use of resources, and building resilient cities.

Within the scope of the forum, Karatay Municipality took a significant step toward becoming a global exemplar by receiving the title of Turkey's first pioneer city in the field of Urban Sustainable Development Goals.

Kılca: We Act with a Human-Centred Urban Approach

In his speech at the forum, Karatay Mayor Hasan Kılca emphasized that Karatay is the fastest-developing district of Konya.

Providing information about the district's transformation and housing production efforts, Kilca noted that Karatay is the largest central district of Konya in terms of land area.

Kılca said, "Karatay is a rapidly growing and developing district. This requires the creation of new housing areas and the strengthening of social and technical infrastructure. With the increasing population, our goal is to increase the usage area per person in all fields-from social facilities to educational spaces, from places of worship to playgrounds, from green spaces to community centres. Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we support our country's global mission with model urbanization works at the local level. Our foremost goal is to build resilient cities in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to enhance the quality of life of our citizens."

184,000 m2 Expropriated Karatay Mayor Hasan Kılca stated that the district also contains older residential areas, and that urban transformation activities are carried out with this sensitivity.

Mayor Kılca said, "Old buildings in the city centre, registered structures, and divided ownership through inheritance complicate redevelopment efforts. In these areas, we are decisively implementing Urban Transformation and Mass Housing Projects. Between 2019 and 2025, 184,000 square meters of land had been expropriated and that a total of 23,420 housing units were built through 47 housing cooperatives established together with previous periods. These projects constitute approximately 16% of the district's total housing stock. Our aim is to ensure every citizen can access a safe, modern, and comfortable standard of living."

"We Are Building Not Just Buildings, but Livable Neighbourhoods”

Mayor Kılca emphasized that they are not only constructing housing but also developing projects that are compatible with nature and enriched with social spaces. He also stated that "It is as important to build nature-friendly projects as it is to construct housing. In this context, we strengthen public-private partnerships and support green financing solutions and environmentally friendly practices." Stating that they include social areas in every new housing project, Kilca stated that, "We are adding parks, sports areas, walking paths, and children's playgrounds to our neighbourhoods. A city is not made up of buildings alone; it becomes truly livable when it offers spaces where people can breathe peacefully, where children can play safely, and where families can spend joyful moments together. Our goal is to build a city that places people at its centre."

"Our Urban Development Practices Have Become a Global Model"

Mayor Hasan Kılca expressed his pride in Karatay's recognition as "Turkey's first pioneer city," stating: "Our urban development practices are now being evaluated as a global model. Karatay has become Turkey's first pioneer city in the field of Sustainable Development Goals. This title also contributes to our country's global vision."

Kılca also said that "In urban transformation processes, along with housing supply, we prioritize balanced population and traffic distribution, access to social spaces, the preservation of green areas, and the principles of horizontal urbanization. We continue planned urban development with firm steps.

Every investment is part of this vision, and we will continue to move forward decisively in this direction."