Author(s)

S. Doyduk, B. Orbey, N. Gurel

Abstract

Activities and locations inhabited create distinctions between rural and urban living. Today some cases start to deconstruct these distinctions. The case study of Küçük Armutlu, which this paper will delve into, is located in the heart of Istanbul with strong ties to urban daily life. This paper will investigate how a recent agricultural regeneration project, Community Garden, within the urban context acts as a tool to maintain a sustainable community with a rural character.

An unofficial civic organization called “People’s Engineers and Architects” had initiated a dynamic sustainable project called Community Garden Project. This project aims to fulfill the low-income resident’s vital vegetation needs. However, this is not the sole intention of the garden. It stands out as a place of struggle and solidarity for a sustainable community where the neighbourhood is under the threat of urban transformation attempts by the government.

The issue is investigated through observations and in depth interviews with the habitants of Küçük Armutlu, people taking part in the garden project and members of People’s Engineers and Architects group as well as People’s Committee.

Keywords

sustainable community, community garden, urban-rural boundaries, solidarity stance, Küçük Armutlu, Istanbul