In these diagrams, the process of eviction in Sulukule – a neighborhood in Istanbul where Romanian citizen used to live – is depicted. The process shows how municipality’s intention for urban renovation in Sulukule progressed while demolishing Romanian settlements without their consent. The maps were designed both in English and Turkish for Rotterdam Architectural Biennial, exhibited at Rotterdam in 2009 and Istanbul in 2010.

The first version was completed in English. I worked in collaboration with the curators of the biennial Philipp Misselwitz and Can Altay to shape the diagrams and Sulukule Platform members to reveal the timeline and relational events. The resulting diagram was printed on a 3m x 1m poster. Although there are no content differences between Turkish and English posters, there are some minor adjustments.
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Here is the introduction text from the poster:

“In Istanbul, a very aggressive urban regeneration process began with a new law (5366) passed in July 2005. Under this law, municipalities and TOKI (The Mass Housing Administration of Turkey) are authorized to carry out urban renewal projects in historic areas. Sulukule, a neighbourhood inhabited by the Romani people for centuries, was chosen as the first renewal site in Istanbul. The project is being implemented under the protocol of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the District (Fatih) Municipality and TOKİ. Step by step, the Romani people living there have been forcefully evicted or manipulated to leave their livelihoods, and their departure is followed by ruthless demolitions throughout the area.

Yet, the very same period also witnessed one of the most resilient public campaigns in the history of Turkey’s urban social movements, which created an extensive public awareness of the crisis in Sulukule. Various national and international NGOs, social movements, universities and other organizations have declared their support for the people of Sulukule. A group of local activists formed the Sulukule Platform and coordinated strategies of resistance and solidarity practices, such as campaigning, mobilizing the community and organizing public events. The movement didn’t stop at “naming and shaming”, but took the initiative in drafting an alternative plan on August 20081, under the name of Autonomous Planners Without Borders (STOP). Eventually, the extent of bad publicity for TOKİ, nationally and internationally, compelled its president to communicate with the leaders of the movement. Recently, the Sulukule Platform, STOP and other volunteers came together under the name Sulukule Studio and prepared a revised, alternative proposal for Sulukule.”