The modernization of Turkey began in Istanbul in the 1920’s when Ataturk freed the Ottoman state from absolutist monarchy, founding the Republic of Turkey. The political transformation was rivaled by a social movement called Kemalism, which was founded on such principals as national secular identity and the replacement of traditional institutions with ‘modern’ institutions. These reforms were above all founded on the principle of Turkish citizenship, which Ataturk envisioned as the psychological catalyst that would inspire people to work harder and achieve a sense of unity and national identity. This ideology contradicted its embracement of the universality of humanism, and would evolve into an elite-led state that generated social division. In this regard, modernization was imposed upon the Turkish people in a ‘top-down’ approach insensitive to local needs.
THE INFORMAL CITY. Gecekondu, a type of slum meaning “built overnight,” are run by the mafia and condoned by the government.
THE SACRED CITY. The Golden Horn has become a protected area, eliminating any potential for much-needed housing. New development has primarily been pushed toward the suburban-style CBD and periphery regions, which have little regard for urban fabric.
THE FALSE MODERN CITY. Building legislation moves new projects from the hands of architects to the developers, resulting in a low-quality product. As the country continues to solicit entry into the European Union, pressure surmounts both internally and externally for this modernization to pursue, regardless of the position of the Turkish people.
THE EMERGENT CITY. Last year, the Turkish people elected the nation’s first non-RPP (Republican People’s Party) Islamist president. Some view this as progress (an elitist dynasty was finally overthrown by the popular vote) while others fear a return to the past (the revival of a more non-secular state).
Is this a step forward or a step backward?
