Istanbul

Question 1

Location and Importance:

Answer 1

1. One fifth of Turkey’s population lives there, looking for work in the thriving industrial sector, attracts rural migrants
2. Grand Bazaar is home to over 4000 shops, jobs, money
3. Built on either side of the Bosphorus Strait separates Europe and Asia a gateway between east and west
4. Largest ports of trade between North Africa, Asia and Europe

Question 2

International Migration:

Answer 2

1. Shares a border with Syria forcing over 5 million to leave the country
2. Often a transit destination for migrants, before pursuing better lives in Europe
3. The port offers temporary employment before migrants find routes into Europe often through Greek borders

Question 3

National Migration:

Answer 3

1. The 1970s saw high levels of migration from Anatolia
2. Rural-urban migration, they hope for formal work but work as informal work
3. Causes urban sprawl along the coast
4. Turks also leave for other countries like Germany when thousands of Turks were invited through the guestworker programme in the 1950s

Question 4

Way of life in Turkey:

Answer 4

1. Proud of being Turkish. In Article 301 of the penal code it is illegal to insult the nation. Flag is flown throughout the city
2. Majority Sunni-shown through the Blue Mosque
3. Family and marriage are important, gather regularly, multi-generational houses.

Question 5

Poor Housing Quality:

Answer 5

1. Poorer migrants build squatter settlements
2. Lack basic services like water
3. Around 80% of the housing stock could be illegal
4. Increases earthquake risk
5. They do not meet the building codes that reduce the risk of collapse.

Question 6

Traffic Congestion:

Answer 6

1. One of the most congested cities in the world.
2. At rush hour, the average speed of traffic is 8km an hour and many commuters spend several hours in traffic
3. Increases air pollution
4. Wear and tear in vehicles, more frequent repairs.

Question 7

Bus Rapid Transit:

Answer 7

1. 45 stations
2. The passengers tend to walk to catch buses, extra business to shops around the transport hubs
3. They are safer, dedicated lanes, more than halving traffic incidents
4. Each passenger saves 28 days per year in travel time
5. Serves 750,000 daily