The main objective of this course is to introduce the students to the theory and practice of urban politics. The course is designed to familiarize students with the political context of urban policies and restructuring, as well as conflicts/alliances among political actors (i.e. social classes, interest groups, etc.) over urban space. A special emphasis is placed on Turkish cities and the Turkish experience of urbanization. However, international experiences are also referred to and explained throughout the classes, when necessary.

The course comprises of three main parts. First part involves the lectures on theoretical foundations of urban politics. The second part deals with the political analysis of Turkish urbanization in the Republican Era. The third part focuses on current issues and problems of urban politics in Turkey, including urban regeneration, spatial inequalities, environmental problems, etc.