The relentless destruction of the environment, the city, and collective memory fueled successive growth figures.
Yet Turkey and the world were changing. A humane lifestyle now expanded to include green cities, bicycle commuting, and cooking with non-toxic products.
While the annual Green Economy Conference of Heinrich Böll Stiftung Turkey focused on “Green Transport in Cities“, the discussions extended far beyond that. In addition to Izmir and Istanbul, urban conditions affected by discrimination in cities such as Yalova, Antalya and Çanakkale were critically examined.
That conference drew a growing demand for a slow, safe and ecological urban life.
Although it was not yet realized at the time, the migration from the metropolis—which would become more evident after the pandemic—was already signalling a shift.
1 – As Ahmet Şık and Nedim Şener were released, Silivri was set to host İlker Başbuğ, Çevik Bir, and Mehmet Ağar. The 12 September trial had begun, but reckoning with the past was stalled. The first issue of Perspectives, which focused on the deep state, was published in such an atmosphere. (hbs) 2 – While the debate on the new constitution was ongoing, civil participation was being discussed more frequently and in depth than ever before in Turkey. (hbs) 3 – The poster for the Organic Meeting we organized with Atlas magazine. If we can make organic and sustainable agriculture accessible to everyone, why would GMOs be needed? (hbs)