Play as a tool to re-attach to nature in big cities: The case of Istanbul

Human existence is closely tied to nature, as it provides essential resources as well as spiritual, aesthetic, and cultural meaning. Rapid urbanization, however, has led to a growing disconnection from natural environments—particularly among children—reducing opportunities for outdoor play and weakening environmental empathy. Play, as a fundamental human behavior, stimulates curiosity, creativity, and social interaction. Nature play enhances physical and cognitive development, encourages exploration and risk-taking, and nurtures a sense of belonging and stewardship towards the environment. Yet, urban densification, loss of accessible green spaces, and the dominance of sedentary, screen-based lifestyles have sharply limited opportunities for meaningful engagement with nature. In 2020, the City of Istanbul launched a comprehensive initiative that positioned play as a tool for reconnecting communities with nature. Recognized as a role model city within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2023), Istanbul demonstrates a clear commitment to a forward-looking vision that integrates ecosystem restoration and nature-based approaches into urban planning. This study explores how play can be integrated into urban strategies to strengthen nature awareness and conservation. Through a qualitative methodology combining a literature review and a case study of Istanbul, the research draws on municipal strategy reports, city branding efforts, and action plans. Findings highlight a growing institutional commitment to nature-based play, with pilot projects presenting significant potential to generate measurable impacts on ecological awareness and community participation in the future. The study concludes that prioritizing play in urban policy can deliver both ecological and social benefits, fostering public engagement and co-creation of resilient urban ecosystems.