The Role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the Urban Adaptation and Socio-Academic Integration of Immigrant Students: The Case of Istanbul

Meryem Altundal; Erhan Kurtarır

doi:10.33182/bc.v15i2.2915

Authors

Meryem Altundal Yıldız Technical University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erhan Kurtarır

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33182/bc.v15i2.2915

Keywords:

Immigrant students, Social Integration, information and communication technologies, Digital Inequality, Adaptation

Abstract

This study examines the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the urban adaptation and socio-academic integration processes of immigrant students studying in Istanbul. Based on a literature-driven analysis, the research identifies the opportunities digital tools offer in areas such as language learning, social connection, and academic achievement. It highlights structural barriers including digital inequality, lack of multilingual content, and limited digital literacy. The study argues that ICT can be a strategic tool for integration when supported by inclusive content, digital literacy training, and participatory policies.

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Author Biographies

Meryem Altundal, Yıldız Technical University

Meryem Altundal is a graduate student with a background in architecture and a growing interest in artificial intelligence. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Applied Urban Studies and Urban Innovation at Yıldız Technical University. Her current research focuses on the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the social integration and support networks of migrant students in urban contexts. She is particularly interested in how digital tools and AI-driven systems can contribute to reducing social inequalities and supporting inclusive design in both physical and digital environments.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erhan Kurtarır

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erhan Kurtarır is a faculty member at the Department of City and Regional Planning, Faculty of Architecture, Yıldız Technical University. He received his B.Sc. in City and Regional Planning from Middle East Technical University in 2003. He completed his M.Sc. in 2006 at Yıldız Technical University with a thesis on urban marketing strategies, and earned his Ph.D. in 2012 with research on the relationship between sacred spaces and spatial planning.

His research interests include cultural and religious geography, migration and urban refugees, local democracy, participatory planning, and the right to the city. He has also worked on the spatial representation of minority religious groups, inclusive planning approaches, and sustainable urban policy development.

Since 2005, he has held various academic and administrative positions at Yıldız Technical University, including Vice Chair of the Department of City and Regional Planning (2020–2022). He served on the Executive Board of the Chamber of Urban Planners (TMMOB), Istanbul Branch, between 2014–2016, and currently serves as a member of its Honorary Board for the 2024–2026 term.