Earthquake risk researches are usually focused on the probable effects of seismic tremors on most vulnerable parts of the city. In the case of Istanbul, these parts are defined with their unplanned (in some zones noted as illegal) development since 1950s, low quality of building and lack of urban facilities. Therefore, recently enacted legislation for urban regeneration has targeted these vulnerable zones of the city to reduce earthquake related risks. On the other hand, relatively resilient and resistant parts of the city have to deal with their limited spatial flexibility to minimize the aftermath disaster chaos. Located in a central district of Istanbul, Beşiktaş is one of these areas. After the Marmara earthquake in 1999, the Beşiktaş municipality has identified evacuation areas (or gathering points) at many different points of the district, most of which are public open spaces. However, considering the high building and population density of the district, narrow roads and limited urban space; the efficiency of these evacuation areas is to be examined.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the evacuation areas in the frame of the population that they would give service in the event of a possible earthquake and to measure the accessibility to these areas. The study area is examined in how to provide access to people, where access is not possible and how to take precautions. Moreover, Beşiktaş, which has an old urban pattern, has been investigated where disturbances are likely to be experienced due to the narrow roads in the city.