CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
37th AESOP Annual Congress 2025 Istanbul, Türkiye
7-11 July 2025
"PLANNING AS A TRANSFORMATIVE ACTION IN AN AGE OF PLANETARY CRISIS,"
Dear AESOP Colleagues and Friends,
With great enthusiasm and anticipation, the Department of City and Regional Planning at the Faculty of Architecture of the Yıldız Technical University welcomes you to Istanbul on July 7-11, 2025 for the 37th AESOP Annual Congress. In one of the world’s most dynamic cities, rich in cultural heritage and history, this year’s congress will focus on the theme, “Planning as a Transformative Action in an Age of Planetary Crisis.” As we gather in Istanbul—a city where East meets West, past meets future, and urban challenges and opportunities converge—we invite you to engage in critical conversations about the evolving role of planning in tackling the unprecedented challenges of our time.
The congress theme reflects the urgency of addressing planetary crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, social inequalities, and resource depletion. At the heart of this crisis is a socio-economic system that continues to promote growth-oriented development and relies on unsustainable practices, reinforcing deep-seated inequalities and social exclusion. In this age of planetary crisis, the time has come to move beyond the narrow focus on growth as a measure of success. It is critical to shift our thinking and adopt alternative approaches that prioritize the people and the planet.
As a transformative action field, spatial planning is uniquely positioned to contribute to a more just, sustainable, and resilient future. Through engaging keynote speeches, thought-provoking panels, and interactive sessions, we seek to address these interconnected challenges through the lens of spatial justice, ethics and care. Our aim is to provide a platform for bold ideas, innovative solutions, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Together, we will explore how planning can reshape cities, regions, and communities to navigate these crises and inspire systemic change for a thriving planet.
We look forward to welcoming participants from across the globe to share insights, foster connections, and envision a shared future. Beyond the conference sessions, Istanbul itself will serve as an inspiring backdrop—a living laboratory where ancient traditions and modern urbanism coexist, presenting various challenges and controversies and offering valuable lessons for planners everywhere. Join us as we come together to push the boundaries of planning and embrace its transformative power in this critical moment for our planet.
For more information please click here:
https://aesop-planning.eu/activities/events/annual-congress/congress-istanbul-2025
Please find the direct link to submit your abstract here:
https://congress.aesop-planning.eu/event/1/
Deadline for abstract submissions (Congress Tracks): 15 January 2025
For General Questions:
For Abstract Submission Questions:
aesop2025.abstract@yildiz.edu.tr
CALL for Round Tables and Special Sessions will open soon!
CALL for the AESOP PhD Workshop in Istanbul on 2-5 July 2025 will open soon!
More information regarding the congress will be continually updated on the website.
We are looking forward to receiving your submissions!
Kind regards,
Zeynep Enlil
Professor of Urban Planning YTU, Chair of the Conference Local Organising Committee and the AESOP 2025 Congress LOC
