Türkiye has completed the urban transformation of 2.378 million independent housing units since 2012, while work continues on another 383,000 units, Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum announced.

In a statement shared on social media, Kurum stressed the urgency of strengthening buildings against earthquake risks, saying, "Earthquakes do not wait, and urban transformation should not wait either."

According to figures released by the Ministry's Urban Transformation Directorate, 2.761 million independent units have been included in urban transformation projects nationwide since 2012. Of these, 2.378 million have been completed, while construction and renewal work is continuing on the remaining 383,000 units.

Istanbul remains the focus of transformation efforts

Istanbul continues to account for the largest share of Türkiye's urban transformation programme.

A total of 1.298 million independent units have been brought under transformation projects in the city. Authorities said work has been completed on 1.007 million units, while 291,000 units remain under construction.

Kurum noted that one out of every two urban transformation projects carried out in Türkiye has been implemented in Istanbul, urging residents of earthquake-prone buildings to take advantage of available support programmes.

"Half Is On Us" campaign continues

Urban transformation efforts are also continuing under the "Half Is On Us" (Yarısı Bizden) campaign, launched in Istanbul on 22 February 2024.

The programme has so far included 544,564 independent units, with transformation completed for 117,914 units.

Under the campaign, homeowners are eligible for 875,000 Turkish lira in grants, 875,000 Turkish lira in low-interest loans, and 125,000 Turkish lira in relocation assistance for each housing unit.

The government has identified urban transformation as one of its key strategies to reduce earthquake risks, particularly in densely populated areas located near active fault lines.(ILKHA)