Sustainability and Well-being
The Sustainability and Wellbeing cluster extends from IPC’s Urbanization and Local Governance program, broadening IPC’s focus on urban transformation to include the environmental, social, cultural, and economic aspects of sustainable development.
Based on nearly a decade of research on Turkey’s urban dynamics, local governance, migration, socioeconomic inequality, and the effects of globalization, IPC’s research now takes a wider, future-focused approach to the challenges and opportunities of sustainable living in an age marked by rapid urbanization and planetary pressures.
Within this cluster, IPC explores the changing relationship between people, cities, and the environment, with a special focus on climate resilience, sustainable food systems, cultural heritage, urban governance, demographic shifts, and social inclusion. It examines how local and regional contexts—particularly in Anatolian cities—are influenced by global trends, and how these contexts, in turn, shape policy decisions, community experiences, and quality of life.
Through public programs like Minerva Talks, Reading Istanbul in Literature, and From Farm to Table: Food, Culture and Politics, along with collaborative events such as The Urban Future of Humanity, IPC views sustainability not just as a technical or policy issue but as a cultural, social, and ecological experience. These activities showcase the connection between urban history, current urban life, food and agriculture, migration, cultural production, and environmental change.
Additionally, IPC contributes to the public discourse in this area through publications such as Zappa Zamanlar: IPC Special Series, published monthly in Aposto and on our website, which links sustainability themes with broader political, economic, and global developments. By combining research, public engagement, and interdisciplinary dialogue, IPC’s work on Sustainability aims to provide actionable insights for policymakers, local governments, civil society, and communities, helping create a more livable, resilient, and just future.
#Sustainability | #SustainableDevelopment | #Well-being | #SocialPolicies | #JustTransition
Istanbul Perspectives 18 - ''Theatre in Istanbul: ''Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow''
The 18th meeting in the Istanbul Perspectives Talks series took place with the participation of academician, writer and previous director of the IKSV Festival Dikmen Gürün. Gürün's talk on ''Theatre in Istanbul: ''Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow'' (''İstanbul'da Tiyatro: Dün-Bugün-Yarın'')” was moderated by Asuman Suner on May 26, 2022.
Istanbul Perspectives 17 - “Music, Crisis, Resistance''
The 17th meeting of the Istanbul Perspectives Talks series took place with the participation of architect and musician (Bulutsuzluk Özlemi) Nejat Yavaşoğulları. Yavaşoğulları's talk on “Music, Crisis, Resistance'' (''Müzik, Kriz, Direnç'')” was moderated by Asuman Suner on April 28, 2022.
Pandemic and Society - “Global Warning - Global Warming”
IPC organized the “Pandemic and Society” webinar series on April 26, 2022, Tuesday at 15:00, as a special broadcast titled “Global Alarm–Global Warming,” with the participation of Fuat Keyman and Murat Germen.
Istanbul Perspectives 16 - Beyoğlu: Public Space, Social Movements
The 16th meeting in the Istanbul Perspectives Talks series took place with the participation of academician Begüm Özden Fırat. Fırat’s talk on “Beyoğlu: Public Space, Social Movements (Beyoğlu: Kamusal Alan, Toplumsal Hareketler)” was moderated by Asuman Suner on March 31, 2022
Pandemic and Society - “Turkey-Germany-EU Relations in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil”
IPC organized the “Pandemic and Society” webinar series on March 22, 2022, Tuesday at 15:00, under the title “Turkey-Germany-EU Relations in a Period of Geopolitical Turbulence,” with the participation of Senem Aydın-Düzgit, Atila Eralp, Fuat Keyman, and Çiğdem Nas.
Pandemic and Society - “War-Climate-Life: Turkey Must Quit Coal”
IPC organized the “Pandemic and Society” webinar series on March 8, 2022, Tuesday at 15:00, under the title “War–Climate–Life: Turkey Must Phase Out Coal,” with the participation of Senem Aydın-Düzgit, Çiğdem Nas, Bengisu Özenç, and Güven Sak.