I have one problem with the last comment (or rather, several). To remove houses is easy, the problem is that there will be people living there. I met some Ankara city planners last time I was in Rize but unfortunately I did not touch this subject.
I have the feeling a fear for "the poor" is taught to Turkish children, along with a fear for dogs. Both are irrational in my mind, or at least blown out of all proportion.
I did notice that a number of hills formerly holding "gecekondular" (houses "built overnight") along the road from the airport have been "cleared". These hills now look like a disaster area with here and there a lone minaret indicating people lived there. I suppose that will happen to this area also, at some time. My prognosis is that by then other no-go areas will develop, areas that some people will not dare enter and demand to be destroyed, and so on and so forth. Maybe it is better to lay down your fears and take a look. As for shame, cities ought not to be ashamed, people might, though.
As for government branches seeing these pictures: there would be something terribly wrong if governing bodies did not have a clear picture of what they govern, so I suppose the people in charge know. I leave the conclusion to you.
Birkat
30-Dec-2006 10:53
i lived in ankara many years and never have been in these areas cause it's poor and it may be dangerous. I hope bureucrats in municipality and other government branches saw these pictures and remove these areas immediately. It's the capital city It's a big shame to my city...
