The Performance of modernity: Atatürk Kültür Merkezi

Glimpses from an Exhibition at Salt Galata, 21.09.12-06.01.13

When the building burnt down in 1970, just one year after its opening, Ayla Tabanlıoğlu saw her husband shaking about the loss.

Architect Hayati Tabanlıoğlu had spent more then ten years researching all kinds of details for creating the first Cultural Hall in Turkey as a symbol of modernity. It was the crown jewel in the design of Taksim square.

He worked another eight years for the reopening of the Atatürk Kültür Merkezi. Until 2005 it served as a venue for all kinds of cultural events with different stages, cinemas and Concert halls.

Today Taksim Square is under reconstruction and a hot debate about the symbols of modernity is going on.

The Show in Salt Galata explores the different stages of the planning and building of the Atatürk Kültür Merkezi. Items and Visuals out of the Archive of Tabanlıoğlu architects, audios with interviews for example with Ayla Tabanşoğlu are rare treasures, well arranged in a very comprehensive and sensitively presented exhibition set up.

Also have a look at this post regarding the current transformation of the Taksim square. http://senseoftime.inenart.eu/?p=2692

http://www.saltonline.org/en/#!/en/406/the-performance-of-modernity-ataturk-kultur-merkezi-1946-1977