A focus on sustainable development can help Istanbul preserve its rich cultural history. For example, Istanbul’s Historical Peninsula – a UNESCO World Heritage site – contains 295 pedestrianized streets that have helped to increase the vibrancy, safety, and accessibility of Istanbul’s historic hub. By prioritizing the use of these streets for people, not cars, Istanbul’s residents connect with their history and promote sustainable urban planning.

Istanbul’s recent “Culture Hunt,” in which our colleagues at TheCityFix Türkiye participated, gave teens the opportunity to explore these streets and better understand issues of sustainable transport, public space, and climate change while deepening their connection to the city’s historical roots. Originally organized in Ankara by the American Field Service Volunteer Association (AFSGD), the annual Culture Hunt event began in Istanbul in 2009, giving teenagers the opportunity to explore the diverse heritage of the streets they pass every day. By featuring the use of public transport, an exploration of public spaces, a climate change demonstration, and a seminar on sustainable mobility, the Culture Hunt helped spread the components of liveable, people-oriented cities among Istanbul’s youth.

Exploring people-oriented spaces

The Hunt was organized as part of the European Mobility Week – an annual campaign on sustainable urban mobility – and participants used a variety of public transport systems to arrive in the Historical Peninsula, including bus rapid transit (BRT), tram, metro, and public bus. In the Historical Peninsula – considered to be one of the most ancient metropolises in the world by the historians – they explored key historical and cultural spots.

With a focus on transport and climate change, the event highlighted the role of sustainable development in preserving the city’s historical culture. “Environmental sustainability is one of the most important factors for economic recovery as well as for the preservation of local culture,” said Hülya Çeşmeci from the Turkish Foundation for Combatting Soil Erosion (TEMA) during the Sustainable Life Seminar that preceded the Culture Hunt. According to Pınar Köse, Program and Projects Coordinator at EMBARQ Turkey, “Around 72% of Turkey’s population lives in cities. In Istanbul, everyday there are 600 new cars on the road. In the world, more than 3 million people die each year as a result of air pollution. And therefore people-oriented sustainable transport is a must for sustainable life.”

The Culture Hunt helped also raise awareness among Istanbul’s youth about the effects of climate change. Using the People’s Climate March as a blueprint, participants in the Culture Hunt took to Tunel Square in Istiklal Avenue to have their voices heard before the U.N Climate Summit.

Teens, tourists and locals participating in the Culture Hunt understood that pedestrianization helps connect residents with public spaces, and can bring a range of social benefits to cities.

Events such as these in cities worldwide are helping thousands of people each year enjoy the benefits of public spaces, and mobilize support for sustainable development and sustainable transport. Since its introduction in 2002, the European Mobility Week has been steadily growing across Europe and around the World. In 2013, 1,931 cities from 47 countries officially registered for the campaign.