Suggestions from an Ankara Case Study on Exploiting the Sustainable Remediation Opportunities of Landfill Sites

This study aims to both suggest a comprehensive approach for the sustainable remediation of the Mamak landfill in Ankara, while also addressing the issue of waste management in rapidly urbanizing areas.In this context, the transformation of a historically problematic area into a recreational public space is intended to foster environmental restoration and improve the living conditions of surrounding communities.The project proposes various amenities, such as therapy gardens, greenhouses, playgrounds, and learning centers, to strengthen social bonds.Additionally, educational programs, such as the Recycling Art and Education Center, and the Constructed Wetland Discovery Center, are suggested as ways to encourage public engagement in environmental care and sustainable practices as such programs play a crucial role in the teaching of responsible resource use and waste management to future generations.The conversion of the Mamak landfill into a public park and educational space is a useful model for other cities facing similar challenges related to waste management strategies and urban development.This study contributes to the discourse on sustainable urban development and innovative waste management by demonstrating that neglected areas can be transformed into valuable community resources, while highlighting the role of such projects in the achievement of sustainability goals.