Urban segregation and socio-spatial transformation: the case of Zeytinburnu, Istanbul

This study argues that space has a central role in understanding social structures and aims to investigate how residents perceive spatial transformations in relation to urban segregation from a sociological perspective. The research was conducted in the Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul. Zeytinburnu provides a suitable sample area for analyzing the research questions, as it includes different social classes and diverse settlement patterns. The study uses an exploratory sequential design based on a mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative data collection process, in-depth interviews were conducted with 55 people, while quantitative data were collected through questionnaires administered to 772 participants. The data obtained was evaluated through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that residents mostly perceived economic factors as the main factor determining urban segregation. Current economic policies are increasing income differences between social classes, transforming the spatial distribution of capital and lifestyles in the city. These economic dynamics are redefining not only the urban space but also the socio-cultural pattern of urban life.