Urbanization Needs More Accessible Actions!” Project Completed with the Contribution of the Faculty of Applied Sciences
The project titled “Urbanization Needs More Accessible Actions!”, coordinated by our faculty member Dr. N. Ceren Türkmen and supported by the Erasmus+ KA152 Youth Exchange Program of the Turkish National Agency, was successfully implemented in Sakarya from May 26 to June 1, 2025 with the contribution of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
The project brought together 35 young participants from four different countries and actively involved third-year students from the International Trade and Finance Department of our faculty. Participants engaged in workshops, field visits, and cultural exchange activities addressing topics such as accessible cities, challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in urban life, inclusive urban planning, and the role of youth in these processes.
The program was enriched by the contributions of our faculty members and local government representatives. Assoc. Prof. Asena Boztaş delivered a presentation on “EU Urbanization Policy”, providing participants with a European perspective on current policies. SUBÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sarıbıyık shared the university’s vision on inclusivity through his presentation “Accessible University: The SUBÜ Example.” Assoc. Prof. Dilşad Türkmenoğlu Köse (SAÜ) presented the “EU Accessibility Strategy”, highlighting accessibility policies at the European level. Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Abdülkadir Özden led interactive sessions on “Accessible Urban Planning and Infrastructure”, demonstrating how inclusivity can be integrated into city planning through practical examples. Additionally, İbrahim Bingül from SAÜ Library and Documentation Department shared his experiences in the field of accessibility with the youth.
Throughout the project, participants conducted field studies across Sakarya to evaluate local accessibility. During a visit to Karasu, they met with Karasu Mayor İshak Sarı to discuss accessibility initiatives in the district. Participants also observed accessible local government practices along the Karasu coastline.
Our Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Sinan Esen visited the program and emphasized the significance of this international learning experience and the multicultural interactions it offered to the participants.
Digital tools, cultural nights, and teamwork sessions created a multicultural learning environment. Students concretized their visions of accessible cities through applied activities such as short film production, policy proposal development, and poster design.
Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. N. Ceren Türkmen commented on the outcomes of the project:
"The creative ideas produced by our faculty students alongside peers from other countries regarding accessible cities have provided noteworthy suggestions not only for local authorities but also at the European level. Our project not only raised young people’s awareness about urban transformation and inclusivity but also significantly contributed to our faculty’s international visibility."
