Yazarlarımızdan Zekeriya Şen, “Preserving the Artistic Heritage of Akçam Street in Istanbul” adlı yazısıyla TOURMAG’de!
Akçam Street is a gem in Istanbul’s cultural landscape, with six essential representatives of the golden age of Turkish Art and twenty large mosaics made since 1957 by esteemed artists such as Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, Nurullah Berk, Ferruh Başağa, Sabri Berkel, Ercüment Kalmık, and Eren Eyüboğlu. These remarkable mosaics bring the street to life, serving as a testament to the artists’ creativity and skill.
Despite their significance, it is disheartening to see that these works of art have not been adequately preserved. Sadly, their protection is given little attention, and short-term interests seem to be the priority in our age. As new apartment owners cover their buildings to save on fuel, the fate of these works of art hangs in the balance. Some are now destroyed or on the verge of destruction due to installed windows, signs, and various forms of industrial pollution.
It is essential to understand that these works of art represent not only our culture but also our folklore and anonymous narratives. They are precious artefacts that we must protect. Our responsibility is to do our best to preserve, own, and pass on these works of art to future generations. Moreover, these works of art form an open-air art street, making them significant not just as works of art but also as an open-air museum.
There are many ways to preserve these artefacts and pass them on to future generations. Municipal authorities can initiate projects to conserve and restore these artefacts, while non-governmental organizations can organize campaigns to protect these works. We can all do our part by visiting the streets, taking pictures, and sharing them to raise awareness and encourage others to protect these priceless artefacts. We can also educate ourselves and others about the significance of these works, ensuring they are not forgotten.
Lastly, it is essential to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of those who have taken steps to preserve these works of art. For example, Yapı Kredi Bank, 4th Levent Branch, owns and honours a mosaic belonging to Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu in its building on Akçam Street. Likewise, Ziraat Bank preserves a Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu mosaic in a glass case. However, it is disappointing that some businesses on Akçam Street have almost destroyed the works by mounting signboards on them, ignoring the mosaics belonging to the artists of the Republic.
In conclusion, our collective responsibility is to ensure that these works of art do not disappear and continue to inspire future generations of artists and enthusiasts. To achieve this, several steps can be taken. Firstly, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism should initiate a program to preserve and protect these priceless artefacts. This could involve hiring experts in conservation and restoration to work on the artworks and develop a comprehensive plan for their long-term care. Secondly, professional guide associations should promote visits to this part of the city to attract tourists and raise awareness about preserving these cultural treasures. This could include organizing guided tours and educational programs for students. Finally, it is vital to recognize the significance of these artworks in a broader cultural context. This could involve hosting exhibitions and events that showcase these works of art’s history and cultural significance. By working together to protect and preserve these priceless works of art, we can ensure that they continue to inspire and educate future generations for years to come.
About the artists mentioned in the article:
- Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu (1911-1975) was a versatile artist in various fields, such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, graphics, marbling, architecture, poetry, writing, theatre, cinema, and music. He is known for his works that reflect the culture and spirit of the Anatolian people.
- Nurullah Berk (1906-1984) was a painter influenced by the Cubist and Expressionist movements. He used geometric forms and vibrant colours in his works.
- Ferruh Başağa (1920-2010) was a painter known for his abstract paintings. He used geometric forms and bright colours in his works.
- Sabri Berkel (1907-1982) was a sculptor known for his abstract sculptures. He used geometric forms and metals in his works.
- Ercüment Kalmık (1907-1990) was a painter known for his abstract paintings. He used geometric forms and bright colours in his works.
- Eren Eyüboğlu (1937-2008) was a versatile artist in various fields, such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, patterns, graphics, marbling, architecture, poetry, writing, theatre, cinema, and music. Like her better half, Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, she is known for her works that reflect the culture and spirit of the Anatolian people.
TOURMAG – ZEKERİYA ŞEN
İnternational Traveler Consultant Writer
