New Era in Urban Transformation: Urban Transformation Presidency and Amendments by Law No. 7471

The earthquake that caused tragic losses in our country on February 6 led to an increase in earthquake-focused discussions on the public agenda. Due to the extensive impact on 11 cities during the earthquake, establishing earthquake-resistant cities and determining comprehensive urban transformation strategies have become a priority public policy. The problems experienced during the implementation processes of urban transformation projects have made comprehensive changes necessary. The mentioned comprehensive changes have necessitated transformation not only in terms of legal regulations but also in administrative structuring. With the Law Amending Some Laws and the Decree-Law No. 375 on the Transformation of Areas at Risk of Disasters, as the name suggests, changes are made to certain provisions of Law No. 6306 on the Transformation of Areas at Risk of Disasters, and some provisions are added to Law No. 6306. With the Law No. 7471 published in the Official Gazette dated November 9, 2023, significant changes have been made in urban transformation institutions. Changes in the identification of reserve building areas, along with the improvement of the identification of risky structures and subsequent practices, will provide a new framework for urban transformation. The establishment of the Urban Transformation Presidency, which will play a key role in the implementation of legal regulations and increasing efficiency in urban transformation practices, is crucial. After the explanation of the basic concepts of urban transformation, the amendments made to the urban transformation institutions by Law No. 7471 and the evaluations to be made on the management model of the Urban Transformation Presidency in two different sections will contribute to the understanding of the paradigm of the new era.