Economy vs. Ecology: Megaprojects, Environmental Politics, and the Istanbul-Izmir Highway in Türkiye

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 17 Sayı: 2, 232 - 259, 29.06.2025

Sibel Akyıldız

https://doi.org/10.53376/ap.2025.09

Öz

Megaprojects, as in other parts of the world, have an intense and irreversible negative impact on cities, rural areas, and natural spaces in Türkiye. Yet, the importance of the right to live in a healthy environment and the preservation of natural resources is growing every day and is emerging as a societal demand. This study aims to examine how theoretical concepts are reflected in practical applications by investigating the implementation of the right to environment in interrelated fields such as the state, civil society, and environmental protection. This study, using the Istanbul-Izmir highway project as a case study, discusses the regulatory role of the State as the guarantor of the right to environment, the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports in the execution of megaprojects, and the resistance of civil society towards the enforcement of the right to environment. By addressing Türkiye’s neoliberal dilemma—"More trees or more economic gains?"—through the lens of the Istanbul-Izmir highway project, this article seeks to broaden the discussion on the boundaries, implementation, and practical application of the right to environment.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Right to Environment , Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Türkiye , Istanbul-Izmir Highway , Megaprojects

Teşekkür

This article is derived from a section of the author’s doctoral thesis titled “Les effets socio-spatiaux des megaprojets: L’exemple de l’autoroute Istanbul – Izmir en Turquie” (The socio-spatial effects of megaprojects: The example of the Istanbul - Izmir highway in Türkiye). The PhD dissertation was completed in 2023 at Ecole Polytechnique, University of Tours, under the supervision of Nora Semmoud and Gülçin Erdi.

Ekonomi mi Ekoloji mi? Türkiye’de Megaprojeler, Çevre Politikaları ve İstanbul-İzmir Otoyolu

Öz

Megaprojeler tüm Dünya'da olduğu gibi Türkiye'de de kentleri, kırsal alanları ve doğal alanları yoğun ve geri dönüşü olamayacak şekilde olumsuz etkilemektedir. Oysa sağlıklı bir çevrede yaşama hakkı ve doğal kaynakların korunmasının önemi her geçen gün artmakta ve bir toplumsal talep olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Bu çalışma çevre hakkının, devlet, sivil toplum ve çevre koruma gibi birbiriyle ilişkili alanlarda uygulanmasını inceleyerek teorik kavramların pratik uygulamalara nasıl yansıdığını incelemeyi amaçlar. İstanbul-İzmir otoyol projesini vaka çalışması olarak kullanan bu çalışma, çevre hakkının garantörü olarak Devletin düzenleyici rolünü, megaprojelerin uygulanmasında Çevresel Etki Değerlendirme (ÇED) Raporlarının uygulanışını ve çevre hakkın uygulamasına yönelik sivil toplumun direncini tartışır. Türkiye'nin neoliberal ikilemi olan “Daha fazla ağaç mı, daha fazla ekonomik kazanç mı?” sorusuna İstanbul-İzmir Otoyolu Projesi'ni masaya yatırarak yanıt aramaya çalışan bu makale, çevre hakkının sınırlarına, uygulanış ve pratiğe geçiriliş biçimine ilişkin tartışmayı genişletmeyi amaçlamaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Çevre Hakkı , Türkiye’de Çevresel Etki Değerlendirmesi (ÇED) , İstanbul-İzmir Otoyolu , Mega Projeler

Teşekkür

This article is derived from a section of the author’s doctoral thesis titled “Les effets socio-spatiaux des megaprojets: L’exemple de l’autoroute Istanbul – Izmir en Turquie” (The socio-spatial effects of megaprojects: The example of the Istanbul - Izmir highway in Türkiye). The PhD dissertation was completed in 2023 at Ecole Polytechnique, University of Tours, under the supervision of Nora Semmoud and Gülçin Erdi.

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