Murat Ozkiyikci on Smart Advertising: How Gaziantep is Revolutionizing Digital Cities
- Chinmay
- February 5, 2025
- Internet of Things
- AI, citizen engagement, data-driven cities, digital signage, Digital Transformation, IoT, public-private partnerships, smart advertising, smart cities, urban development
- 0 Comments
As cities worldwide advance their digital transformation efforts, smart advertising has emerged as a key component of modern urban development. By integrating AI, IoT, and data analytics, municipalities can foster citizen engagement, support local businesses, and enhance urban accessibility.
Murat Ozkiyikci, Smart Advertising Department Manager at Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, spoke with IoT News about the evolving role of smart advertising in shaping interactive and inclusive cities.
“A city isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about the people who live and interact within it. Our goal is to make every citizen feel connected and engaged through technology,” he explains.
Smart Cities: Built for the People
A truly smart city prioritizes citizen-centric solutions, using digital tools to create an ecosystem where people actively contribute to urban planning and development. Personalization, real-time data, and strategic digitalization allow cities to engage diverse demographics and ensure inclusivity.
Ozkiyikci emphasizes that smart cities should empower every citizen, regardless of background or digital literacy. Governments can boost engagement by implementing:
- Targeted communication strategies to connect with different communities.
- Gamification elements like interactive surveys and digital town halls.
- Incentives for participation in sustainability projects and public initiatives.
By combining technology and citizen participation, cities can ensure that digital transformation enhances everyday life rather than becoming an isolated infrastructure upgrade.
Collaboration: The Foundation of Smart Cities
No city thrives in isolation. Public-private partnerships, data-sharing, and citizen involvement are key to creating efficient and sustainable smart city frameworks.
“The key to an effective smart city is synergy. Public-private partnerships, transparent data-sharing, and community involvement drive long-term urban improvements,” says Ozkiyikci.
For instance, real-time traffic data can help developers create smarter public transport apps, benefiting both commuters and city planners. In Gaziantep, multi-stakeholder collaboration has led to better infrastructure projects and optimized service delivery.
The Role of Smart Advertising in Urban Growth
Beyond commercial benefits, smart advertising drives economic development, civic engagement, and urban innovation.
“When executed strategically, smart advertising serves as an information hub, providing real-time updates on events, city services, and local businesses,” notes Ozkiyikci.
Gaziantep has implemented smart billboards, digital kiosks, and targeted promotions, helping local businesses increase visibility and citizen engagement. These digital solutions:
- Provide local news, event updates, and emergency alerts.
- Enable small businesses to reach their target audiences.
- Offer interactive ads that enhance urban experiences.
By making advertising accessible to all businesses, Gaziantep ensures that local enterprises can compete effectively in a digital economy.
Ensuring Inclusivity in Smart Cities
A truly smart city prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring that technology benefits all residents, including marginalized communities.
Ozkiyikci stresses the importance of bridging the digital divide, particularly for low-income populations and elderly citizens. Gaziantep’s initiatives include:
- Subsidized internet access and free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces.
- Digital literacy programs to equip citizens with essential tech skills.
- Multilingual city apps with voice recognition and accessibility features.
Smart infrastructure, such as IoT-enabled adaptive public transport alerts, also enhances accessibility for differently-abled individuals.
Gaziantep: A Leader in Smart Advertising Innovation
Gaziantep has positioned itself as a pioneer in smart city development, leveraging smart advertising to improve citizen engagement, local commerce, and sustainability.
The city has deployed AI-powered digital advertising screens, providing:
- Real-time updates on public services and events.
- Affordable advertising for local businesses.
- Sustainable digital solutions, reducing paper waste and energy consumption.
By integrating AI and IoT, Gaziantep tailors advertisements based on demographics and relevance, ensuring that citizens receive useful, non-intrusive content.
“Our goal is to make advertising smarter—not overwhelming. The focus should be on enhancing urban experiences, not bombarding people with ads,” says Ozkiyikci.
Additionally, solar-powered digital billboards have significantly reduced the city’s environmental footprint, proving that smart advertising can be both sustainable and effective.
Final Thoughts: Smart Cities Are for the People
Gaziantep’s holistic approach to smart advertising reflects a larger smart city vision—one that prioritizes people over technology.
“A smart city isn’t just about technology—it’s about how that technology improves everyday life,” Ozkiyikci concludes.
Through collaborative governance, data-driven strategies, and a commitment to inclusivity, Gaziantep is shaping the future of engaged, digital cities.
