This article is based on the findings of a TUBITAK-supported research project conducted between 2015 and 2016. The project highlighted participatory approaches in urban redevelopment processes. Fundamental issues concerning the topic were opened to discussion, drawing on the analysis of the redevelopment process in Sarıgöl-Yenidoğan Urban Redevelopment Area (URA) since 2005. This area was one of the 13 redevelopment areas in Gaziosmanpaşa District.

Gaziosmanpaşa, located on the European Side of Istanbul and housing %3,4 of the city’s population, is 1,173 hectares in area and the redevelopment areas designated within the district comprise %37,9 of all redevelopment areas in Istanbul. Sarıgöl-Yenidoğan URA is a gecekondu1 area of 33,2 hectares with 24,470 inhabitants and is one of the areas where the Roma community lives in Istanbul.