Transformation of urban society in Istanbul

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Istanbul, a megacity with over 12 million residents, boasts a continuous history spanning more than 2600 years. This publication emphasizes the human aspect of its population and the social dynamics shaping citizens' lives. It explores the growth of the population, the influx of modern in-migrants, and the establishment of shanty towns by poorer migrants. It highlights their journey from lower-class status to middle-class citizens, alongside the expansion of manufacturing and services that have positioned Istanbul as Turkey's commercial capital, increasing urban incomes and fostering a new upper class. The text also addresses the social polarization resulting from financial liberalization and globalization. Significant transformations are noted, such as the shift from illiterate migrants to educated, politically engaged voters, and from traditional bazaar economies to consumerism in American-style malls. Additionally, it discusses the transition from pedestrian lifestyles to reliance on new transportation systems. Demographic changes, including variations in birth and death rates and the evolution from extended to nuclear family structures, reflect Istanbul's transformation from a pre-industrial society in the early 19th century to a modern industrialized urban environment today.