Changing Cities and Changing Memories: The Case of Taksim Square, Istanbul

Urban memory serves as a critical indicator for preserving the integrity of historic urban landscapes (HUL), bridging the gap between evolving spaces and collective recollections. This study highlights how Taksim Square, Istanbul—a symbol of historical significance—has undergone rapid transformation since 1923, particularly post-1980s, due to planning decisions that alter its physical environment, functions, and cultural references. These changes erode public memory, threatening the continuity of heritage. The research proposes 'urban memory' as a new metric for HUL preservation, emphasizing the need to integrate social elements alongside physical conservation. By analyzing expert meetings (2005–2010) and UNESCO’s HUL framework, it demonstrates that heritage preservation must account for dynamic urban dynamics to sustain both tangible and intangible cultural layers.

Erbey, D. (2017). Changing Cities and Changing Memories: The Case of Taksim Square, Istanbul. International Journal of Culture and History (EJournal), 3(4), 203–212. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijch.2017.3.4.101