The changing image of Istanbul through its monuments (1923-1973)

Abstract

In this paper debates and recent discussions concerning the planning of public spaces/parks and squares will be presented to understand whether an identity for Istanbul had been sought to portray it via the design of its monuments. Blending the characteristics of a transitory non-lieu urban settlement as well as having peculiarities proper to its own culture, societal values, political, religious and economic dynamics, the city is long considered as an intricate set of components. Apart from questioning the persistence of the commonly received idea that the square is an unplanned leftover space from late Ottoman Empire till today in architectural historiography, mainly based on eurocentric and political interpretations of the public space, this paper aims to focus on the aesthetical values of monuments. While main artistic trends will be presented, we will try to explore the kind of modernism proper to their design in post republican era in Turkey.