City Advocacy Forum: An Interview with Özgür Bora Yaprak

Originally from Rize and a graduate of Istanbul Technical University, Özgür Bora Yaprak is a city planner with expertise in zoning law, public-private partnerships, and land development. He has held key roles in the Ministry of Health and as the general manager of an international facility management company, while also founding several non-governmental organizations. “İstanbul, a city with a population of around 20 million and a rich history spanning over 8,000 years, faces unique challenges in balancing urban density with livability. Our Vision 2050 initiative seeks to address these complexities by fostering equitable access to resources, protecting cultural heritage, and ensuring sustainable development, but achieving these goals requires dynamic, short-term decision-making to adapt to the city’s rapidly changing needs.”