How Istanbul's youth reproduce a differential space

Abstract

Maçka Democracy Park is a notable public space for Istanbul’s youth, attractinga diverse group with varied social backgrounds. The activities and lifestylesobserved here might initially seem to reflect Turkey’s political tensionbetween conservatism/religiosity and secularism/Westernism. However,youth’s use of the park suggests that they envision urban spaces beyondthese traditional dichotomies. Parks provide a ‘differential space’ for youngpeople, women, and the LGBT+ community, supporting ‘the right todifference’ through daily activities. This study examines young people’smotivations for using parks and how they transform the park into adifferential space through interactions with various social groups andinstitutions.