Impact of Airbnb on the Gentrification Process: The Case of Rasimpasa Neighborhood in Kadikoy

Abstract

The urban tourism sector, which has developed in parallel with neoliberal urban policies in both developed and developing countries, is one of the fastest growing service sectors in the world. For this reason, demand for accommodation in urban centers has also increased. Airbnb, a popular web application, is one of the tourist accommodation options that have become popular over the last 5 years. This study explored the relationship between houses/rooms rented through the Airbnb system and gentrification, based on field work conducted in the Rasimpasa neighborhood of Kadikoy. Airbnb offers a new business and capital accumulation opportunity to homeowners, tourism companies, and investors, but it is alleged that the growth of Airbnb has also led to long-term inhabitants being indirectly displaced and further gentrification. Mixed research methods were used in this study. First, quantitative data was obtained from the data system at airdna.com, insideairbnb.com, and sahibindex.com. A survey of 90 people was also performed, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 participants in the neighborhood. The data from the field work revealed that the number of young people and the student population in the neighborhood have increased substantially, in parallel with the number of rooms/houses rented through Airbnb in the last 5 years. In addition, the unit price (m(2)) increase in the Rasimpasa neighborhood has grown in comparison with other neighborhoods in Kadikoy. The increasing number of cafes and restaurants has contributed to a continuous decrease in the number of shops that meet the daily needs of local residents, and the neighborhood is gradually transforming into a place for tourists and short-term tenants. As a result, long-term residents and other local people are being indirectly displaced and the process of gentrification is becoming apparent. It is important to examine the effects of platforms such as Airbnb on urban spaces and local communities in a world becoming increasingly digitalized, as well as the various dynamics of the gentrification process.