An Evaluation through Nature and Urban Layers: The Case of Izmit

Abstract

The cities can be described as dense multi-layered structures by focusing on what produced (built environment) on it (earth) and who produced (human being). They are formed by the cores of socio-cultural accumulation from different historical eras. The base of all the accumulations which is being alive beyond time is defined as nature. Therefore it is clearly seen that the base of thinking over a city vision through a nature is inevitable, because produced ones are constantly changing with respect to time and space, whereas the nature sustains over time and history. On the other hand, while cities have been transforming over the relations of production consumption due to the neoliberal attacks since early 21st century, the nature is nowadays reduced to physical sizes in various scales. In this paper, negative effects on daily life of city and nature are revealed through the built - produced elements in Izmit since 21st century by focusing the fundamental elements (nature) of city having rich historical layers. Afterwards, the answers are sought for what kind of future is possible for Izmit with its all layers, especially its rich geography. Moreover, Izmit has a reputation of its wetland basin because it is located in the Gulf of Marmara Sea and Sapanca Lake is located on the east of city. In this context, the main objectives of this paper is to show how daily life of city disperse from the nature via philosophical discussions, to highlight the importance of participatory and collective approaches to city life and its stakeholders by looking towards city vision from local authorities view and to point out the essential signs belong to the future for the relations between society and nature of Izmit.