Does the Urban Regime Theory Provide an Appropriate Theoretical Framework for Analysis of Urban Politics in the Context of the Urbanization Process in Turkey? a Theoretical Discussion*

Since the 1980’s, the urban regime theory has been one of the most widely used theoretical frameworks in the field of the analysis of urban politics. Seeking a synthesis between the pluralist and structuralist approaches, it focuses on semi-formal and cross-sectoral networks of relationships in cities that are formed around a particular agenda by actors who have a shared sense of purpose. By doing so, they bring together complementary resources and gain the “capacity to govern” in cities. The aim of this article was to discuss theoretically whether the urban regime theory can be applied in the context of the urbanization process in Turkey. Coalitions being formed by different groups of the society and playing a significant role in the urbanization process of the country show some similarities with the regime concept provided by the theory. From this point of view, the theory seems to be appropriate; however, in order to avoid concept-stretching, some points of concern that remind the researcher of the core of the theory should always be kept in mind.