ABSTRACT
Eskişehir, located in inland Asia Minor, is one of the few cities in Turkey where an urban river has defined a city’s landscape to a considerable degree in both physical and political terms. Although the Porsuk River in Eskişehir had suffered from decades of pollution and neglect, recent efforts spearheaded by the current mayor have helped to transform the river into a trademark of the city. Emerging from the city center, a “green spine” has started to develop around which many small and large parks have grown. The main commonality between the new parks is their improved relationship with water – featuring activities and events such as sunbathing at an artificial beach, walking along the lakes, and watching water sports. The parks also offer activities for people of varying income levels, with the goal of providing affordable access to recreation, social services, and public spaces. The revival of the river and the surrounding area has been promoted by the municipality as a marker of Eskişehir’s “European” identity, which has been embraced by the predominantly secular electorate.
