How urban centres can help the Middle East

A legacy of resilience

Cities have historically been the cradle of democracy and civilisation. The Middle East, in particular, has thrived during periods when its cities have flourished. During the Abbasid era, Baghdad emerged as a global hub of knowledge, while Ottoman cities like Aleppo, Cairo and Istanbul served as vital centres of cultural co-existence, trade and diplomacy.

Today, cities must reclaim this legacy. As the closest administrative units to citizens, urban centres are uniquely positioned to promote coexistence and address social inequalities.  Good local governance—rooted in justice, equality and citizen participation—can play a crucial role in preventing local tensions from escalating into international conflicts.

The Istanbul Declaration, signed by local leaders during the Mayors' Meeting for Peace and Cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa in Istanbul on 13 December 2024, reflects this vision. By committing to cultural and economic exchanges and sustained dialogue, we are building a solidarity network to confront shared challenges like poverty, displacement, and environmental degradation.

Going forward, we have three key tasks ahead:

1. Rebuilding Cities

Rebuilding cities after conflict is daunting but also an opportunity to reimagine urban life. To create inclusive, resilient, and sustainable environments, recovery efforts must go beyond restoring what was lost. We need to build smart cities that address today's urgent needs while overcoming the challenges of tomorrow through innovation and equity.

In Gaza and Syria, the destruction of infrastructure and displacement of communities demand regional collaboration. Istanbul stands ready to share expertise in urban planning, heritage restoration, citizen participation and sustainable development.

Partnerships with international organisations are critical. Together, we can develop post-conflict recovery tool kits focused on affordable housing, green spaces, and equitable access to public services. These efforts will heal physical scars while fostering social cohesion and economic renewal.

As the President of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye, I will soon send an expert delegation to Damascus and other cities to identify local needs and potential solutions in partnership with the new Syrian governors.

2. Restoring lives

Palestinians and Syrians who fled their homes should not face further hardship upon their return. In both cases, the regional powers and the international community must ensure a safe and dignified return and support them in rebuilding their lives in their conflict-torn cities.

The region's cities can play a pivotal role there. Istanbul's vocational training programs can be mobilised to equip displaced individuals with essential skills in craftsmanship and entrepreneurship before the Syrians we host head home. These localised solutions empower refugees to participate actively in their communities' reconstruction and lay the foundation for an inclusive and democratic state.

3. Strengthening ties

Unity and solidarity among MENA cities are not just long-awaited ideals but essential for progress in people's daily lives today. The region has endured decades of conflict, poverty, and environmental crises and faces immense and urgent challenges.

To address those challenges through strengthened regional cooperation, cities must focus on partnerships and mutual understanding. We can neither be safe nor strong if our neighbour is in strife or poverty.

The Istanbul Declaration provides a framework for collaboration. By sustaining dialogue, promoting cultural and economic exchanges, and partnering with international organisations, cities can create cross-border networks that foster mutual growth and resilience.

Cities must also position themselves as key actors in global peacebuilding efforts, amplifying their influence on international platforms to secure resources and support. It is also high time for national governments to create the conditions for collaboration between local leaders across borders.

Urban centres can mitigate more significant crises and lay the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive future by focusing on rebuilding cities, restoring lives, and strengthening ties. Civilisation and democracy, both rooted in urban centres, can once again find a stable foundation to flourish.