Analyzing urban green space inequalities in Isparta, Turkey

Atila GÜL; Gizem Dinç; Çağla Aydemir

doi:10.6093/1970-9870/10307

Atila GÜL Süleyman Demirel University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9517-5388
Gizem Dinç Süleyman Demirel University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2406-604X
Çağla Aydemir Süleyman Demirel University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3575-8957

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6093/1970-9870/10307

Keywords: Urban green spaces, Inequality, Neighborhood, Distribution of the services, Sustainable cities

Abstract

Cities defined by population size, heterogeneity, and dynamic change face historical and contemporary inequalities. The United Development Goals underline the urgency of addressing urban inequality, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Urban open and green spaces emerge as important elements for social well-being and affect social, cultural, and psychological aspects. Despite their importance, inequalities in the distribution, quantity, and function of these areas persist. Standards advocating a minimum of 9 m² of green area per person and accessibility become an important component. However, global data reveals that distribution is inadequate; Only 37.8% of neighborhoods in the city are conveniently located near open public spaces. This study examines the distribution, size, and accessibility of urban green spaces, focusing on Isparta. Unequal distributions were detected in terms of the area covered by green spaces in the neighborhoods, their accessibility, and green spaces per capita. The findings reveal the need for measures to correct urban inequality in planning, design, and management policies, which will contribute to the creation of sustainable and livable cities.

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Author Biographies

Atila GÜL, Süleyman Demirel University

B.Sc.:Forestry Engineering Istanbul University Faculty of Forestry (1982-1986), B.Sc.:Business Administration Anadolu University Open Education Faculty of Business (2016-2020). M.Sc.:Landscape Planning Yıldız Technical University, Institute of Science, (1986- 1988). Ph.D.: Field Crops Ege University, Institute of Science, (1993- 1998). Associate Professor: Landscape Architecture. Landscape Planning and Design Suleyman Demirel University Department of Landscape Architecture (2008- 2013). Professor: Landscape Architecture. Landscape Planning and Design Suleyman Demirel University Department of Landscape Architecture (2013-…). His research interests are Landscape Planning, Forest Recreation, Protected Natural Areas, Urban Forestry, Grass Field Technique, and Vegetation Techniques.

Gizem Dinç, Süleyman Demirel University

She completed her M.Sc. degree at Ankara University, Department of Landscape Architecture in 2017. After, she started her career as a research assistant at Süleyman Demirel University, Turkey. In 2021, she did an academic internship at the Federico II University of Naples, Italy. She completed her Ph.D. degree at Süleyman Demirel University, Department of Landscape Architecture in 2002 and continues to work in this department. Her research interests are urban ecology, landscape planning and design, land use/land cover, urban design, walkability, and public spaces.

Çağla Aydemir, Süleyman Demirel University

She completed her license degree at Süleyman Demirel University, Department of Landscape Architecture in 2015. In 2014-15 (Undergraduate Term), she carried out studies with the support of TUBITAK 2209 University Students Domestic Research Projects Support Program. After, she started M.Sc. Süleyman Demirel University, Department of Landscape Architecture in 2015-16 she worked as a TUBITAK 1001 project assistant named "Culturing Some Plant Species Belonging to the Ballıbabagiller (Lamiaceae) Family in the Lakes Region and Determining Their Use in Landscape Architecture". She completed her Ph.D. degree from Süleyman Demirel University, Department of Landscape Architecture in 2022 with SDU YÖK 100/2000 Architecture, Planning and Design PhD scholarship. She is currently working as a lecturer at SDU, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Landscape Architecture.

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