Comments on: Politics vs. Culture: Municipality’s Rally Square Project in Yenikapi, Istanbul, Turkey

By: Erman Eruz

Erman Eruz — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 17:14:38 +0000

You are absolutely right. UNESCO is the closest thing we have to what you are describing, especially after the historic areas of Istanbul were listed as a World Heritage Site. However, their reports are often neglected by the authorities (e.g. Sulukule gentrification, Golden Horn Bridge) since UNESCO doesn’t have any power of enforcement. I also believe a stronger body with a greater power than local authorities would definitely be helpful to protect the historical heritage.

By: Kaner

Kaner — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 08:07:43 +0000

There should be a high level decision making committee, not locally, but globally, such as the U.N. or European Court of Human Rights. If you cannot stop activities in one of the archeological areas, you can escalate this issue to the high-level committee which has more power than the Presidents. The country leaders may have benefits that are more important than a bunch of “bowls and pots.” In this way, people who are managing their country cannot do whatever they want.