Kartal

The history of the Kartal district, located on the Asian side of Istanbul, is rooted in deep antiquity. The first settlements in this area emerged during the Byzantine Empire, when a small fishing village existed here in the 6th century. Its strategic position on the coast of the Sea of Marmara made it an important point on the route to Anatolia. In the 11th century, the area was conquered by Turks under the leadership of Suleiman Shah, and since 1400, these lands have been a permanent part of the Ottoman Empire.

Key Factors of Formation

For centuries, Kartal remained a modest settlement where residents were primarily engaged in fishing. Key changes in its development occurred much later and were linked to the following factors:

• Geography: The coastal location not only provided residents with resources but also offered views of the Princes' Islands, which over time increased the district's appeal.
• Trade and Transport: The construction of a ferry port in 1857 marked the beginning of Kartal's active development. Later, with the arrival of modern transport infrastructure, including the railway and highways, its role as a transport hub only strengthened.
• Administrative Status: In 1888, Kartal was officially included within the city limits of Istanbul, and in 1928, it received the status of an independent municipality, which fostered its further growth.

Cultural and Economic Features

During the Ottoman period, Kartal did not attract much attention from the authorities, remaining a quiet fishing village. A real economic boom began in the 20th century, especially after 1947, when a large industrial zone was established here. This led to rapid population growth and the district's transformation from an outskirts area into an important industrial and residential center of Istanbul. Despite industrialization, Kartal has maintained its connection to the sea: today, it features a modern waterfront that is popular among locals for walks and recreation.

A Brief Chronology of Kartal's History

The history of the Kartal district, situated on the Asian coast of the Sea of Marmara, spans many centuries. Below are the key events that shaped its character from an ancient fishing village to a modern district of Istanbul.

• 6th Century — A small fishing village named Kartalimen is established on the coast of the Sea of Marmara during the Byzantine Empire.
• 11th Century — The area is conquered by Seljuk Turks under the leadership of Suleiman Shah.
• 1400 — The territory finally becomes part of the Ottoman Empire and receives its modern name—Kartal, which means "eagle" in Turkish.
• 1857 — The construction of a ferry port provides a boost to the active development and growth of the settlement.
• 1873 — The Haydarpaşa–Pendik railway line passes through Kartal, significantly improving its transport accessibility.
• 1888 — Kartal is officially included in the administrative boundaries of the city of Istanbul.
• 1928 — In accordance with the new legislation of the Republic of Turkey, Kartal receives the status of an independent municipality.
• 1947 — The creation of a large industrial zone begins, leading to rapid economic growth and an increase in population.
• 1999 — The district, like the entire eastern part of the Marmara region, is seriously affected by the devastating Izmit earthquake.
• 2012 — The M4 metro line (Kadıköy–Kartal) opens, integrating the district into Istanbul's rapid public transit system.
• Early 21st Century — Kartal is actively transforming into a modern residential and business center with high-rise developments, large shopping complexes, and a landscaped waterfront.

The history of Kartal is a journey from a humble fishing village to one of the key and most dynamic districts on the Asian side of Istanbul. This transformation was driven by a series of urban, economic, and transport developments that defined its modern character.

• Ancient Roots and the Ottoman Period. The first settlements on the site of modern Kartal appeared as early as the 6th century as a Byzantine fishing village. In 1400, these lands became part of the Ottoman Empire, receiving the name "Kartal" (Turkish for "eagle"), though for centuries it remained a quiet coastal area where residents were primarily engaged in fishing.
• Arrival of Transport Arteries (19th Century). The first major boost to development was the improvement of transport links. The construction of a ferry port in 1857 and the launch of the Haydarpaşa–Pendik railway line in 1873 connected Kartal with other parts of Istanbul and Turkey, ending its isolation.
• Attainment of Municipality Status (1928). Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, Kartal was granted independent municipality status in 1928, fostering its administrative and urban growth.
• Industrial Boom (Mid-20th Century). A pivotal moment in the district's economic history was the establishment of a large industrial zone after 1947. This triggered rapid population growth through migration and turned Kartal into an important industrial and residential center.
• Rapid Urbanization (1980s). During this period, the district experienced a new wave of population growth, establishing itself as one of the central districts on the city's Asian side. Alongside residential construction, cultural life flourished—Kartal was one of the first districts to have its own cinemas.
• Modern Infrastructure Development. In the 21st century, integration into the city's transport network reached a new level with the arrival of metro stations and the Marmaray commuter rail line, providing fast connections to the European side of Istanbul.
• Contemporary Urban Planning (Since 2015). In recent years, Kartal has seen the implementation of large-scale construction projects. Major developers are building modern residential complexes and skyscrapers that are radically changing the district's appearance, while the waterfront has become a popular spot for relaxation and strolls.

The architectural landscape of the Kartal district in Istanbul is a visual history of its rapid transformation from a modest coastal settlement into an ultra-modern urban hub. Kartal's development can be traced through several key architectural and urban planning eras.

From Fishing Village to Industrial Center

For centuries, during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, Kartal remained a small fishing village. Its architecture was simple and functional, devoid of monumental structures. The situation began to change in the late 19th century with the arrival of transport infrastructure, but the real turning point occurred in the mid-20th century. After 1947, Kartal was designated an industrial zone, leading to chaotic development, the appearance of factories, and mass, often low-rise, housing for workers. This period shaped the utilitarian look of the district that persisted for decades.

The Era of Modernism and Urban Renewal

The modern stage of Kartal's architectural development began at the turn of the 21st century and was driven by two factors:

• Urban Renewal after 1999: The devastating Izmit earthquake served as a catalyst for a large-scale program to demolish dilapidated and seismically hazardous housing. In place of the old buildings, modern high-rise residential complexes meeting new safety standards began to rise.
• The Zaha Hadid Project (2006): The victory of world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid in the competition for the Kartal central district redevelopment project was a landmark event. Her futuristic parametric architecture project, although not fully implemented, set a new course for development and attracted major developers to the area.

Modern Appearance: High-Rise Development and New Landmarks

Today, Kartal is one of the centers for high-rise construction on the Asian side of Istanbul. Its skyline is formed by modern skyscrapers, large residential complexes with extensive infrastructure—such as IstMarina and Manzara Adalar—and business centers. The district is actively developing along key transport arteries like the E-5 highway and the M4 metro line, facilitating its transformation into a prestigious business and residential center with striking modern architecture.

Prominent Figures Associated with Kartal

While Kartal remained a modest settlement for much of its history, its modern era is linked to several notable figures in architecture, politics, and sports who have contributed to its development and fame.

• Zaha Hadid (1950–2016)

  Role: Architect.
  Significance: A world-renowned architect and winner of the 2006 competition for the Kartal center redevelopment project. Her futuristic vision, though only partially realized, set a very high bar for the district's future development and forever cemented Kartal's place in the history of modern world architecture.

• Mehmet Ali Büklü (1938–2017)

  Role: Politician.
  Significance: Former Mayor of Kartal, serving from 1989 to 1999. He led the district during its period of active urbanization and contributed to the development of local infrastructure. His name is immortalized in one of the district's parks, reflecting the respect of local residents.

• Volkan Demirel (born 1981)

  Role: Footballer, Goalkeeper.
  Significance: One of the most famous goalkeepers in the history of Turkish football. He began his professional career at the local club Kartalspor in 2000, from where he moved to Fenerbahçe and became a legend for both the club and the national team.

• Servet Çetin (born 1981)

  Role: Footballer, Defender.
  Significance: A well-known player for the Turkish national team and a bronze medalist at Euro 2008. Like many other talents, he is a product of the Kartalspor youth academy, where he played at the start of his career (1999–2001), underscoring the club's role in nurturing football stars.

• Erkin Koray (1941–2023)

  Role: Musician, Singer.
  Significance: A legend and one of the pioneers of Anatolian rock—a unique Turkish musical genre. As an icon of Istanbul's Asian side, his work became a cultural symbol of an entire era and is inextricably linked to the atmosphere of this metropolis, including districts like Kartal.

• Gökhan Yüksel (born 1987)

  Role: Politician.
  Significance: The current Mayor of Kartal, elected in 2019. His work is focused on the district's modern transformation, including waterfront beautification projects, transport network development, and addressing current urban planning challenges.