The Short-Term Rentals and Gentrification: The Case of Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Abstract

Short-term rentals (STRs), particularly those offered via Airbnb, channel considerable capital into select neighborhoods, often those near city centers or in culturally vibrant districts. This study investigates Airbnb’s impact on the gentrification processes in Beyoğlu—one of Istanbul’s most internationally recognized historic areas. It highlights the additional layer that STRs contribute to ongoing urban transformation in neighborhoods already experiencing gentrification. This study used a mixed-method approach. While quantitative data on Airbnb listings in Beyoğlu was obtained from Inside Airbnb, qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The findings indicate that Airbnb intensifies gentrification dynamics by driving up property values and precipitating the “Airbnbification” of housing, a phenomenon most pronounced in Galata. This trend threatens to reduce long-term rental options and push local residents out of their traditional neighborhoods. In an environment where regulations are absent or not effectively enforced, Airbnb and comparable STR platforms act as catalysts for urban change, reshaping the housing market beyond its conventional parameters. The case of Beyoğlu underscores the need for comprehensive policy interventions that address housing affordability, historical preservation, and the social fabric of gentrifying districts. By highlighting how STRs exacerbate existing inequalities, this research provides a basis for further debate on the regulatory measures required to safeguard the social and cultural integrity of historic urban areas.

Keywords

• Airbnb
• Gentrification
• Short-Term Rentals
• Housing Market

Kısa Dönemli Kiralama ve Soylulaştırma: İstanbul, Beyoğlu Örneği

Abstract

Kısa Dönemli Kiralamalar (STR), özellikle de Airbnb aracılığıyla sunulanlar, genellikle şehir merkezlerine yakın veya kültürel açıdan canlı semtler olmak üzere belirli mahallelere önemli miktarda sermaye aktarmaktadır. Bu çalışma, Airbnb'nin İstanbul'un uluslararası alanda en çok tanınan tarihî bölgelerinden biri olan Beyoğlu'ndaki soylulaştırma süreçleri üzerindeki etkisini incelemektedir. STR'lerin, hâlihazırda soylulaştırmanın yaşandığı mahallelerde devam eden kentsel dönüşüme katkıda bulunduğu ek katmanı vurgulamaktadır. Çalışmada, karma yöntem yaklaşımı kullanılmıştır. Beyoğlu'ndaki Airbnb listelemelerine ilişkin nicel veriler Inside Airbnb'den elde edilirken, nitel veriler kilit paydaşlarla yapılan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler yoluyla toplanmıştır. Bulgular, Airbnb'nin mülk değerlerini artırarak ve daha belirgin bir şekilde Galata'da gözlemlendiği üzere konutların “Airbnb'leşmesini” hızlandırarak, soylulaştırma dinamiklerini yoğunlaştırdığını göstermektedir. Bu eğilim, uzun vadeli kiralama seçeneklerini azaltma ve yerel sakinleri geleneksel mahallelerinin dışına itme tehdidi oluşturmaktadır. Yasal düzenlemelerin bulunmadığı veya etkili bir şekilde uygulanmadığı bir ortamda, Airbnb ve benzer STR platformları kentsel değişim için katalizör görevi görerek, konut piyasasını geleneksel parametrelerinin ötesinde yeniden şekillendirmektedir. Beyoğlu örneği, konut satın alınabilirliği, tarihî koruma ve soylulaştırılan bölgelerin sosyal dokusunu ele alan kapsamlı politika müdahalelerine duyulan ihtiyacın altını çizmektedir. Bu araştırma, STR'lerin mevcut eşitsizlikleri nasıl daha da kötüleştirdiğini vurgulayarak, tarihî kentsel alanların sosyal ve kültürel bütünlüğünü korumak için gereken düzenleyici önlemler hakkında, daha fazla tartışma için bir temel sağlamaktadır.

Keywords

• Airbnb
• Soylulaştırma
• Kısa Dönemli Kiralama
• Konut Piyasası

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