On Istanbul
By Deniz Gul

The fall of the Berlin Wall marked lots of things to a change; of course one of them is the artistic scene. Turkey has an outer position here to be defined in it’s own necessities of appearance.

The 2nd World War marked a settlement in Europe, which was unexpectedly shaped beforehand with the foundation of the Turkish Republic -- right after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

In this perspective one can say, Eastern Europe has been influenced by Istanbul historically -- as the capital city of the Ottoman rule --, also geographically, as a borderline to the Asian territory.

1989 physically is a challenge for Europe with the arrival of new borders and nations. Basically for art, it opened a gateway of circulation on what was previously a hidden agenda of identity, culture and heritage.

It is nevertheless impossible to think of Europe as a ‚religiously’ or ‚nationwide’ defined structure anymore. It had already transacted its own borders and embraced difference. What makes Europe still an ideal today, is it’s way of unity among diversity and evolution through ages; that it makes the world believe to dream for civilization.

Istanbul is an inspiration at this point; it is full of vibe and energy, with clashes and contradictions. It is truly a melting pot, and a center of gravity with all one can see in the world. It is a timeless city; in that sense it is unique, and undefined.

It is not zoned or shaped within limits. It is an airy space with a different sense of time and people in it. There is a special energy recreated each moment, with many inputs/outputs that I can not see as a whole; I dare say nobody can. The city is alive and never sleeps, transformation is so very fast. In my opinion, Istanbul does not relate to any form of a 'city' as is described in modern/postmodern terms. It is an experience with its own dynamics. A specific site to describe Istanbul would be a moment when crossing the bridge, when all there is happening to look so spacious and mystic. As in this act one can only get an idea of the city only when in movement or in flow.

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