Fener Balat: A successful model for urban regeneration

Minister Günay and Ambassador Pierini have celebrated the completion of the Fener Balat Districts Rehabilitation Programme. The European Union funded project ensured close participation of the community and serves as a good model for other conservation and regeneration projects in Turkey.

The programme was initiated in 2003 to improve the living conditions of the inhabitants of the Fener and Balat districts that are part of the Historic Districts of Istanbul World Heritage Site.

The European Union provided 7 Million € to support the restoration of houses, as well as social and environmental activities.

A total of 87 houses and 33 shops in the historic Fener Balat market were renovated. Furthermore, 2 social centres were built and a range of social activities carried out. Likewise, a better waste collection system was established.

The programme ensured the active participation of the district inhabitants in the planning and implementation of the activities.

Fener and Balat has become a model of urban regeneration as underlined in a report of UNESCO on Historic Areas of Istanbul issued in June 2008. The acquired conservation and regeneration expertise should now benefit other historic parts of Istanbul and help the city prepare in the preparation for the European Capital of Culture in 2010.

The festivities of the local inhabitants to mark the completion of the programme took place with the participation of the Minister of Culture and Tourism Mr. Ertuğrul GÜNAY and the Head of the European Commission Delegation to Turkey, Ambassador Mr. Marc PIERINI.

For further information, please contact M. Akif Türkel (akif.turkel@ec.europa.eu)

For Ambassador Marc Pierini’s speech, please click here.