Buildings in streambeds demolished in Ayazağa; neighborhood infrastructure crisis exposed in October 14 floods

Demolition equipment is systematically leveling structures built over the streambed in Sarıyer's Ayazağa neighborhood. According to footage relayed on-site by NTV correspondent Osman Terkan, water levels reached 2.5 meters during the October 14 floods; both older buildings and recently constructed structures in the district sustained damage.

Ayazağa was already a contentious neighborhood due to inadequate infrastructure. Terkan characterized the problem as "enclosed streambeds and chaotic urban sprawl": while damage assessments continued, new construction in the area persisted. He emphasized that new buildings continued to rise even as evaluations were underway.

Environment, Urbanism and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum visited Ayazağa following the flood; the demolition order was implemented after this inspection. The October 14 rainfall broke an 84-year record, turning roads into lakes and hundreds of vehicles were swept away by floodwaters.

Ayazağa's streambed construction has not been its first flood trial: the neighborhood was listed among problematic zones in urban risk maps prepared following the 1999 Marmara earthquake. The current demolition effectively closes that long-standing file brought back to the agenda by flood pressure.