Today we have paid a visit to Tasoluk, the relocation site of the Sulukule. Comparing with the field work of Sulukule from yesterday, we can get more clear and integrated idea about this relocation process.
Obviously, the documents and statement from both sides are not exactly according to the reality. Only through our own eyes can we get more accurate information to keep on our work. However, the situation changes everyday which can be extremely complex and confused, whether it is an opportunity or a threat for us will be decided by our own.
There are totally 1356 units in Tasoluk right now and still have potential to extent. Most of them are four layer buildings with two kind of flats, small one is 83 m² apartments block and 118 m² apartments block. There are 120 buildings in total including elementary and high school, mosque, commercial center, sports center and library.
There are totally 1356 units in Tasoluk right now and still have potential to extent. Most of them are four layer buildings with two kind of flats, small one is 83 m² apartments block and 118 m² apartments block. There are 120 buildings in total including elementary and high school, mosque, commercial center, sports center and library.
Among these units, 334 are for Sulukule and now owned by TOKI. People (tenants) from Sulukule repay the house in 180 months (15 years), longer than other residents who are required to repay the house in 120 months (10 years). As it is a social housing project which the houses are much cheaper than average price, all of the houses have already been sold and most of them were even sold before the construction began. They also need to meet some qualifications for applying such as monthly income less than 800 l.t., living in Istanbul for at least 5 years and not have any property in their or direct relatives’ name anywhere else. It seems comparing other people who face the same financial situation, people from Sulukule will have more benefit and have lighter burden and they should be able to afford.
However, if people move to the TOKI apartment and cannot afford the rent in 3 months TOKI is sending a warning note and in 4 months people have to start paying their rent. If they still cannot pay, TOKI returns to them all the money that they have already paid, in cash and they have to move out of the apartment. TOKI allows the people to rent or sell the house to another person. However, the apartment here supposed to be the cheapest offer in this location which means even if they sell their house, the money they get still cannot afford a new apartment anywhere else.
The opportunities for employment in the area including textile industries, construction jobs. In addition, the municipality stated that they cannot help each individual person that is in need of a job – if people organize themselves in groups (i.e.10 people together) the municipality could contact/mediate for a job in the factories of the area. However, there will be no chance for their culture industry as the site is far away from city center and more or less pure residential area. It seems there will be no options for them other than struggle to a place in the industries. At same time, within the huge community of 5,000 people, the identity of Roma community will be completely dismissed which has no chance to reclaim anymore.
Thanks Roi for offering the note.
However, if people move to the TOKI apartment and cannot afford the rent in 3 months TOKI is sending a warning note and in 4 months people have to start paying their rent. If they still cannot pay, TOKI returns to them all the money that they have already paid, in cash and they have to move out of the apartment. TOKI allows the people to rent or sell the house to another person. However, the apartment here supposed to be the cheapest offer in this location which means even if they sell their house, the money they get still cannot afford a new apartment anywhere else.
The opportunities for employment in the area including textile industries, construction jobs. In addition, the municipality stated that they cannot help each individual person that is in need of a job – if people organize themselves in groups (i.e.10 people together) the municipality could contact/mediate for a job in the factories of the area. However, there will be no chance for their culture industry as the site is far away from city center and more or less pure residential area. It seems there will be no options for them other than struggle to a place in the industries. At same time, within the huge community of 5,000 people, the identity of Roma community will be completely dismissed which has no chance to reclaim anymore.
Thanks Roi for offering the note.
