COMPARISON OF URBAN TRANSFORMATION AND RENEWAL PROJECTS FROM A SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE: DİKMEN VALLEY AND ATLANTA BELTLINE CASE STUDIES

This study offers a comparative analysis of two urban transformation projects implemented in Atlanta, United States, and Ankara, Türkiye. Despite differing significantly in terms of financing structures and levels of public participation, both cases reveal notable similarities in terms of scale and the dynamics of gentrification. Representative household groups were identified through classical sampling methods, and data were collected using a standardized survey in both locations. Quantitative findings were enriched with qualitative insights gained through participant observation and informal interviews, providing a multi-dimensional analysis. The study reveals that while both projects have been criticized for triggering gentrification, the underlying causes differ across contexts. In the Turkish case, lack of social integration and limited employment opportunities emerge as key challenges, whereas in the American context, rising property taxes and housing prices are the primary sources of displacement concerns. By situating these findings within broader academic debates on urban transformation, participation, and gentrification, the research contributes a context-sensitive and comparative perspective. It moves beyond one-dimensional analyses commonly found in the literature. Ultimately, the study highlights the importance of flexible and inclusive urban policy approaches that are tailored to local needs and conditions in cities with diverse socio-economic structures.