A Symposium to Commemorate Sedad H. Eldem: "Architecture and Nationalism in Turkey"

(Tuesday, June 2, 2009 / 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

In conjunction with its "Sedad Hakkı Eldem II Retrospective" exhibition, on view through July 5, the Ottoman Bank Museum (OBM) is hosting a symposium titled "Architecture and Nationalism in Turkey" on Tuesday, June 2.

From the late 19th century onwards, in fact from the time the first book on Ottoman architecture , Usul-i Mimari-i Osmani was published, to the present, nationalism has been one of the political ideologies with the greatest role in shaping aesthetic aspirations and architecture. It is therefore surprising that there should have been so few wide ranging studies that directly tackled a relationship that always retained its relevance. In this sense, a significant part of the life and work of Sedad Hakkı Eldem – honored by the Ottoman Bank Museum on the centenary of his birth with two exhibitions and their accompanying catalogs – represented a fusion of architecture and nationalism. The aim of this symposium dedicated to him is to examine all nationalist approaches without confining itself only to Eldem's architectural production.       

Participants are expected to discuss the relationship between nationalist ideology and architecture in Turkey, from its earliest stages to our day, within the chronological or thematic framework of their choice. The symposium hopes to draw attention once again to the impact of nationalism in architecture and to determine possible new connections. Its objective is to provide a supportive environment open to contributions in such topics as architectural thought, preservation-restoration, urban planning, architectural practice and the relationship between architecture and political power. The participants are encouraged to give individual talks rather than simply present papers. Each talk will last approximately 45 minutes and be followed by a 15-minute discussion break.
     
Due to limited seating space, reservations are strongly recommended.

Please click for the program.