Istanbul at a Historical Breakpoint

  There are breakpoints in the history of each country, and each country deals with these problems in different ways. These problems could originate from political reasons, economic reasons, etc. As an urban sketcher, we have an important duty to record these break lines in our city that we live in. In recent years, with our country, Turkey, living on a break line, walking around the streets with a sketchbook is best way to observe marks of change. In our city, Istanbul, Taksim Square is the place that most critical things happen.

Ataturk Cultural Center 

The Ataturk Cultural Center was located in the square where many democratic protests lived there and hosted cultural and artistic activities for many years. It was demolished few days ago to give a message to a part of society that doesn’t approve policy of the government. A mosque started to be built in front of the building for the same purpose. The sketch above is Ataturk Cultural Center, which has been serving art lovers since 1946. This could be the last picture of the building. I drew it during the demolition.

The other sketch (top of page), drawn in the same week, belongs to the ongoing mosque construction. To see Turkey society, away from science and art, the best way is just observing that scene.