Abandoned Neighborhood

Tarlabasi is a neighborhood in the Beyoglu district in Istanbul, which was home to a large Greek population from the 19th century. It has mainly populated by large numbers of Kurdish immigrants from eastern Turkey and Romas since 1990 s.  Recently, it has become the home to many migrants from neighboring countries and Africa as well. Tarlabasi was declared a regeneration area by the government in February 2006, following a petition from the local municipality. Recently released renewal law for the Protection of Deteriorated Historic and Cultural Heritage through Renewal and Re-use, forms the basis of the renewal process in Tarlabasi. The urban renewal project, which makes people to leave neighborhood, has been started and many abandoned apartments have demolished or started to renew. Eviction orders have been distributed to both holders and home owners whose flats or buildings have been sold. Most residents who had opportunity to found a home or a workshop left the neighborhood but, there are still many leaving who struggle to make just their living.