Hacking Istanbul, The Fragmented City: Through Backdoor of Kartal

Opening with the provocative question, 'What would arise if we perceived Istanbul as a Fragmented city?', this thesis embarks on an exploratory journey to unravel how Istanbul’s sociocultural networks, physical structure, and overall perception might have evolved over time under the premise of being a fragmented city. Central to this investigation is the application of a hacking methodology to a 'what if' scenario, dissecting and analyzing the segments that constitute the city’s intricate and fragmented structure. Delving into the layered fabric of Istanbul, this study focuses on the city’s rich historical, cultural, and architectural heritage, unraveling a complex narrative shaped by diverse historical and societal influences. The research pivots around the hypothesis of Istanbul’s fragmented evolution, examining the forces that have contributed to its current state. At the core of the methodology are two innovative concepts: 'Hacking Istanbul' and the 'Black-hole Concept.' The former represents an approach to seamlessly integrate disparate temporal elements into a cohesive framework, involving detailed analysis, interpretation, and modification. The latter is a metaphorical spatial-temporal portal that encapsulates the evolution of cities over time, providing a multi-dimensional understanding of urban development. The study scrutinizes various phases of Istanbul’s development, from mass migrations triggered by rural mechanization to the emergence of informal settlements (gecekondu) and the influence of neoliberal policies on mass housing projects. Additionally, the thesis navigates the 'earthquake realm,' focusing on the concept of 'living with risk' in anticipation of the expected earthquake in Istanbul, critically assessing the city’s preparedness and resilience to such seismic threats. A key focus area is Kartal, portrayed as the 'backdoor of Istanbul.' In this context, the thesis applies the 'backdoor concept' from cybersecurity, using Kartal as a microcosm to access and strategically intervene in the city's framework. This analogy facilitates a deeper engagement with Istanbul’s complex urban fabric, enabling transformative recoding and enhancing Kartal’s role in the city’s narrative. In conclusion, the thesis weaves together these methodological concepts with the envisioned evolution of Istanbul as a fragmented city. It presents a comprehensive narrative that reimagines the urban landscape of Istanbul, particularly through the lens of Kartal, proposing a blueprint for its prospective transformation in alignment with the hypothetical scenario of its fragmented nature.