“Warfare Outcome as a Ground for Destruction of Heritage and Real Estate” presented by Germen

Symposium:


Session Title:
  • Media Art, Landscape and Heritage

Presentation Title:
  • Warfare Outcome as a Ground for Destruction of Heritage and Real Estate

Presenter(s):


Venue(s):


Abstract:

  • Keywords: War, Conflict, Restoration, Preservation, Conservation, Destruction, Gentrification, Urban planning, Transformation, construction, Dis-Possession, Dislocation, Forced Removal, Heritage

    There is a major construction program, being undertaken in the past decade, named “urban ransformation” by the ruling government. As the transformation moved forward, it turned out this building activity was intended for profit and not for better urban environments. The
    construction was also a social engineering construct, causing people lose their native homes during the demolition process (dispossession) to make ground for new costlier housing to be bought by the rich.
    While this is one dimension of the story; the more severe dimension is the fact that there is an unending clash in between the Turkish Military and the Kurdish PKK in the past 40 years. Combat previously took place in the mountains; this last confrontation was unfortunately conducted within the city, leaving civilians in extreme danger. The destructive battle fought with heavy weapons including tanks, cannons led to rigorous destruction in the solely residential areas. The area, where residential urban habitat and historical heritage were significantly
    damaged after the clashes, is at the moment sealed off and clearance of post-war debris has started. The demolition, regularly carried out by heavy construction equipment, was indirectly accomplished through war. The locals will be displaced towards the outskirts of the city where
    they can only afford a much cheaper flat in an inhumane gigantic highrise compound.

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