Smart and Sustainable Cities: Challenges and Prospects for Istanbul

Abstract

Rapid urbanization brings about many challenges, such as air pollution, congestion, food insecurity, and waste management. The concepts of "smart city" and "sustainable city" have become very significant for cities that are severely experiencing these types of problems. In this study, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and smart sustainable indicators are linked to the concept of smart sustainable cities, with a particular focus on assessing Istanbul in this context. As a megacity, Istanbul possesses abundant human capital and a dynamic environment that can provide opportunities for smart and sustainable solutions. However, rapid economic and population growth may simultaneously generate new and complex challenges. © 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.