Taksim Belongs to Everyone: Cultivating Spaces for Pluralism

  
    Location:
    Istanbul, Turkey
  
    Status:
    Competition Finalist
  
    Date:
    2020

Diversity is at the core of Instanbul's identity. Connecting Europe and Asia, Istanbul has always been one of the most internationally diverse cities; a global hub gathering people, and goods from all over the world.

Diversity is also at the core of Taksim's identity. As the modern, post-Ottoman, centre of Istanbul, Taksim is surrounded by monuments representing diverse beliefs, cultures, and ideas. Once a Greek-Armenian neighbourhood on the outskirts of the city, it was also a symbolic space of Kemalism and Modernism, a tourist destination, and a centre for Istanbul's alternative subcultures.

Methodology for Cultivating a Space for Pluralism:

Diversity is the identity of Taksim, and Istanbul. Pluralism is the explicit valuing of diversity as such. A pluralist space encourages everyone to maintain their independent cultural traditions, while at the same time including them in the overall collective.

The proposal would cultivate a pluralist space through following four aims:

Step 1

Already existing differences and identities need to be recognized, and the integrity of these identities should be preserved and enhanced.

Step 2

The Commons, a shared space where differences can be negotiated, must be clearly defined and delieneated. The Commons are a basic infrastructure for human life. They need to be accessible, and safe for everyone.

Step 3

Wherever possible, the shared commons should be enhanced in order to supported further diversity.

Step 4

Finally, the inclusion of others needs to be facilitated. Procedures encouraging inclusivity are established.

Taksim Belongs to Everyone:

Taksim Gezi Park is in the southernmost green patch of the Bosphorus Green System, a system of parks that is traditionally called “koru”. The korus has situated along with Bosphorus and serves for local and immigrant fauna as well as flora.

Historic Istanbul has been surrounded by cemeteries and gardens providing fresh food for the city. Today, only a few of the gardens have been remained.

As the Gezi Park was a cemetery in past, and redeveloped as an urban park. It is still one of the most crucial green spaces within the dense urban development of Istanbul for its citizens and visitors. Its historic role of water distribution benefiting from its situation on the top of ridge-line highlights its critical role as a urban infrastructure and provision as well as opportunities to foster the ecological flows penetrating city and towards the Marmara Sea in South.

Axo of market and transport hub building

Pedestrian Boulevard leading to Maksem Plaza

Nicolas KoffMay 15, 2019