NEO-LIBERAL TOUCHES TO THE TOWN: READING LIFE IN ISTANBUL ATA？EHIR THROUGH BOURDIVIN THEORY

After 2000 the neo-liberal policies caused a huge investment in Istanbul. This new entrepreneurial freedom created an irreversible profit arena in construction sector. Ata？ehir was one of the high spots with its localization and instant connection to the down town. Soon the contractors started with luxurious branded houses, with gates around them, very secure but also alienated. Before they started, the area was already full with several apartments either constructed by TOK？, or free contractors and they mostly addressed to middle income class. Now, the whole area seems to have lost its identity, as two different classes try to sustain their daily habits. According to Bourdieu’s field theory, against the dominance of ‘economic capital’, there is always a ‘symbolic capital’ which can make a difference. This study aims to put forth the resistance and quarrel of 2 different classes in the area, their habitus and questions whether a symbolic capital can be superior over an economic power when ‘life’ comes into question