We All Live in Cities Now—But Are We Living Like City Dwellers?
Nowadays, most of us live in cities. With rapid urban growth, thousands of people migrate to urban centers each year. A large portion of this migration comes from rural villages or smaller towns. But here’s the real question: Have these newcomers truly adapted to urban life? Or have they simply brought their former habits and customs with them?
Most of us probably know the answer. We see it every day. It’s no wonder some people call Istanbul “the biggest village in Turkey.” A bit harsh? Maybe. But there’s a grain of truth in it.
The Habit of Leaving Shoes in Front of the Door
One of the habits that doesn’t quite fit into city life is leaving shoes in front of apartment doors. At first glance, it might seem like a small, harmless issue. But in reality, it’s a reflection of deeper challenges in adapting to modern urban living. City life is built on certain principles—rules, shared spaces, and most importantly, mutual respect.
Picture this: Ahmet leaves his shoes outside his door—carelessly scattered. Mehmet sees this and thinks, “Well, if he can do that, I can put my stove out here too.” Then Ali decides the trash smells in his apartment, so he moves his trash bin outside the door. And so on. This spiral of personal use in shared spaces leads to chaos.
Common Areas Are Not for Personal Use
Legally, apartment hallways and doorways are considered “common areas.” That means no one has the right to use them for their personal belongings. Turkish property law is clear on this: Residents cannot treat shared spaces as if they’re private.
Beyond the legal side, there’s also the visual aspect. A hallway full of scattered shoes, maybe some old furniture or even smelly trash bins—it creates serious visual and hygienic pollution. It’s unpleasant, especially in buildings with many residents. And dirty shoes right at your neighbor’s door? That’s not just untidy, it’s disrespectful.
Why Not Just Use the Entryway Inside Your Home?
The usual excuse is, “We don’t want dirt from the outside to enter the house.” Fair enough. But that’s what entryways (or vestibules) are for. Every home has one—a place designed for shoes, coats, umbrellas, etc.
You don’t want to bring shoes into the living room? Great—just place a shoe cabinet or a rack inside the entryway. Problem solved.
Still insist on leaving them outside? Then at least be considerate. Use a small, neat shoe rack that doesn’t clutter the hallway. It’s a simple gesture that shows respect for your neighbors and helps keep the space tidy.
Respect and Etiquette Are the Cornerstones of Urban Life
Living in an apartment is like living in a mini society. Everyone has to follow certain rules to maintain harmony. If every resident does what they want, without regard for others, it’s impossible to build a peaceful community.
Of course, village life has many beautiful qualities—closeness, strong neighborly ties, and community spirit. But when moving to a city, physical habits must evolve too. Cities demand more order, more discipline, and more awareness of others.
No one is perfect. We all learn, change, and adapt over time. Maybe we struggle now and then to follow the norms of apartment living, but the key is to be aware and willing. If we can learn to be a bit more respectful toward one another, our cities will begin to look and feel like true cities—not just larger villages.
Sometimes, progress starts with something as small as… not leaving your shoes in the hallway.
Legal Framework and Rights Regarding Shared Areas
According to Turkish Condominium Law:
- Apartment owners (or tenants) may not use shared areas for personal items.
- The Building Management Board may decide to prohibit leaving shoes (or other items) in front of doors.
- This prohibition can also be included in the official building management plan.
- Once decided, all residents are required to comply with these rules.
Legal Process if Rules Are Violated
- If someone violates this rule, other residents may file a case in the Civil Court of Peace.
- If the court rules in favor, the individual is given a deadline to remove the items.
- Failure to comply can lead to legal penalties or fines.
In Summary:
Maintaining order and cleanliness in apartment common areas is about respecting everyone’s rights. Leaving personal items like shoes in hallways is both legally and socially inappropriate. Fortunately, legal measures exist to address such issues when necessary.
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