17.07.2025 12:21
According to the "Istanbul Green City Index" prepared in collaboration with Marmara University and TÜBİTAK, Güngören has been identified as the district with the least green space per capita and the worst ecological condition in Istanbul. While the district is practically drowning in concrete, the behavior of Mayor Bünyamin Demir on social media, acting like a phenomenon and failing to provide solutions, is drawing criticism.
As a result of a 2-year research in Istanbul, according to the "Istanbul Green City Index" data, Güngören emerged as the district with the least green space per capita and the worst ecological condition in the city. The aerial images of the district revealed the accuracy of the data.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE GREEN SPACE
In collaboration with Marmara University and TÜBİTAK, the Green City Index data for Istanbul's 39 districts was extracted between March 15, 2023, and March 15, 2025. According to the results of the extracted data, it was revealed that Güngören is the district with the worst ecological condition and the least amount of active open green space per capita (m2/person) in the city. It is almost impossible to see green space in aerial views of Güngören.
THE DISTRICT IS ALMOST DROWNED IN CONCRETE
In the district overwhelmed by buildings and concrete, the few trees visible on the streets are the most concrete example of the city's distorted urbanization. At the same time, the district was selected as having the lowest access rate to emergency gathering areas within 500 meters. It ranks first in terms of low average traffic speed and impermeable surface ratio. Güngören's air quality index ranks 26th among the 39 districts.
MAYOR PHENOMENON, GÜNGÖREN WITHOUT GREEN
The "phenomenon-like" attitudes displayed by Güngören Mayor Bünyamin Demir on social media overshadow the district's fundamental problems. Although Demir shares content focused on humor and visual shows in his posts, he does not present a solution or concrete step regarding Güngören being the district with the least green space in Istanbul.
THERE IS A SHOW, NO SHADOW
In Güngören, one of the smallest districts in Istanbul, the amount of green space per capita is far below global health standards and urban planning principles. Nevertheless, Mayor Demir's greatest asset in public space is social media videos and content trying to go viral. These contents, especially aimed at young people, do not cover up the real problems.
TIME FOR NEED, NOT IMAGE
In Güngören, there is a serious lack of safe parks for children to play, green spaces for the elderly to rest, and open public spaces to breathe. This deficiency becomes even more visible with the climate crisis, urbanization pressure, and increasing population. Urban planners emphasize that social media success should not be confused with administrative success, warning that "districts want mayors who produce solutions, not followers."