Cemil Arslan: Affordable housing - matter of citizens' well-being

Affordable housing is not only a political issue but also a social one, linked to people's well-being, Cemil Arslan, Secretary General for the Marmara Municipalities Union and General Coordinator of Marmara Urban Forum (MARUF), said during discussions at WUF13 in Baku, according to Report.

"Housing policy directly impacts quality of life, social security, and the sustainability of cities. Türkiye's Marmara Region, comprising six metropolitan municipalities, is one of the most urbanized areas in the country, home to approximately 30% of the population and 9% of the country's land area. This region is effectively a 'metropolis of metropolises,' where Istanbul, with a population of approximately 16 million, is closely connected to neighboring agglomerations, including Sakarya and Tekirdag," he said.

He emphasized the interdependence of these areas, particularly in terms of water supply, transport logistics, and the daily functioning of the urban environment.

Arslan stated that without coordination between agglomerations, it is impossible to effectively address issues of transportation, housing, and sustainable development.

According to him, despite the regional level of decisions, a broader international approach is needed to exchange experiences and understand common challenges.