Legend
MARUF'22 (Marmara Urban Forum) is a collaborative project between AURA İstanbul, the Union of Municipalities of Marmara, which aims to map out the ecological, urban planning, and pollution that caused by political issues that have arisen in Turkey. These issues include inappropriate industrialization, uncontrolled water usage for farming, and political tourism, and the resulting consequences. During our research in Izmit and Sapanca, we witnessed the water pollution caused by harbors and industrial areas within the city, and the extreme rent prices that were caused by political tourism decisions. As a result, many natives have been forced to move to other cities. Additionally, there is an ancient city of Nikomedia under İzmit, although İzmit is currently designed as an industrial city to support Istanbul. In Bandırma, factories are dumping their waste into waterways, which connect to the Marmara Sea, causing significant pollution. The ancient city of Kyzikos is also located nearby, yet the city's current focus is on production rather than culture. Similarly, we observed similar types of pollution in Yalova.
Mapping Marmara
In Bandırma, the ETİBANK electricity company operates factories near the dam that releases water to the Marmara Sea. Despite this, ETİBANK continues to discharge waste into the dam. However, it is not too late to take action to address this issue.
The city of Nikomedia, an ancient city, still exists underground in İzmit's history. With effort, it can be uncovered and brought to light.
Flamingos used to visit İzmit's Gulf during their migrations, but due to pollution caused by cargo ships, their numbers have decreased significantly. Although some still visit, this highlights the importance of taking action to repair the damage we have caused.
Visitors to İzmit's shores may witness the remains of dead sea creatures, from fish to crabs, due to human waste. However, this does not mean that the situation is irreversible. We still have time to take action and address these issues.
Kuş Lake is a popular tourist spot in Turkey where people often go to enjoy nature and have picnics. Unfortunately, this pleasure has been taken away due to uncontrolled agricultural practices and tourism. Farmers near the lake use it as a water source for their crops, leading to environmental degradation. Moreover, human waste adds to the pollution, making the condition of Kuş Lake even worse.
In the outskirts of Bandırma, the ruins of the ancient city of Kyzikos can be found. Although located near farming areas, the municipality has left it uncovered.
Waste in İzmit continues to pollute the bay, especially at the shore where human waste is evident. Stray animals often rummage through the garbage, and dead sea creatures can also be found.
Izmit and Yalova have similar environmental issues caused by factories and industrial areas that pollute air and water, harming aquatic life and posing health risks. Despite this, both cities have green areas that benefit the community and the environment. They also have important port areas that can contribute to pollution if not managed properly.
As part of the team, my role was to use media and design to create an installation tittled as “Words” and “Still There” that clearly communicates these issues to viewers. The installation will be displayed at the 2023 MARUF exhibition, and the date and location will be announced in due course.
Visual summary of each city. Explain what those cities have and what is their feature and their main problem
