Business Administration (English)
Beykoz University hosted the panel titled “Climate Crisis, Post-Industrial Food Landscapes, and Rural Futures.” Moderated by Assist. Prof. Özgür Burçak Gürsoy, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Business and Administrative Sciences, the event was organized in collaboration with The Four Legged City and CLIMAVORE x Jameel at RCA.
The event opened with welcoming remarks by Gürsoy. Speaking on behalf of The Four Legged City Association, Onur Akgül, Head of the Climate Change and Ecology Studies Research Program, introduced the organization’s founding objectives and activities. This was followed by a presentation from Daniel Fernández Pascual and Alon Schwabe (Cooking Sections), founders of CLIMAVORE and nominees for the 2021 Turner Prize, who discussed the effects of climate change on food practices, beginning with their research on salmon farms in Scotland.
Merve Anıl, coordinator of CLIMAVORE’s studies on Istanbul’s water buffaloes, presented the historical and current state of water buffalo breeding in the Eyüp district. She addressed ongoing efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of mining and construction projects on the animals’ natural habitats, the awareness raised through water buffalo festivals, the roles of local and central authorities, the attitudes of breeders, and initiatives to preserve the distinctive qualities of water buffalo milk used in products such as pudding, yogurt, and cheese.
Following presentations on Cooking Sections’ international projects, the CLIMAVORE x Jameel at RCA Water Buffalo Commons project, and local perspectives, Assist. Prof. Gürsoy delivered the panel’s closing remarks. Drawing on production and farmer registration statistics, she outlined agricultural production patterns in Beykoz—particularly its prominence in fruit and vegetable cultivation—and emphasized how this structure is sustained through village markets and festivals. In his concluding remarks, she highlighted the economic, social, and cultural importance of protecting and integrating agriculture, livestock farming, and fishing activities that continue to exist in a mega-city like Istanbul, underlining the goal of building sustainable and resilient cities.
The panel concluded successfully with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the participants by Prof. Dr. İlker Kıymetli Şen, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Administrative Sciences.
This content was updated on 24/02/2026.