AKM Used as Billboard
Poster of the movie “Ertuğrul 1890” was hung on Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), which yet to be restored as of 2008.
Production of the movie has been undertaken by Culture and Tourism Ministry on Turkish part, and Ertuğrul Film Partners on Japenese part.
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Atatürk Cultural Center (1969-1977) is in Istanbul, also simply called AKM. As the focal point of Taksim Square, it is not only a multi-purpose cultural center and opera house, but an icon of Istanbul. The AKM is considered an important example of Turkish architecture from the 1960s. A fire on November 27, 1970 during a performance required the complex to undergo significant repairs. The center has been closed since 2008, when a major refurbishment to bring the building up to date before Istanbul took over the title of European Capital of Culture in 2010. The AKM is a model of environmentally friendly preservation. The main visible addition are the louvers onto the aluminum façade as part of the energy-saving design strategy. Source: Wikipedia |
Beyoğlu Kent Savunması (Beyoğlu City Defense) in its statement said, “We object the billboard placed on AKM. AKM, which is one of the most significant cultural, historical and architectural heritage of İstanbul is not a billboard. This poster must right away be removed”.
Earlier, IPhone billboard was placed on Narmanlı Han (Narmanlı Inn) on İstiklal Street in İstanbul. It has been removed upon a PHD student from France sending an email to the brand.
What happened at AKM?
It was closed for renovations in 2008.
Tabanlıoğlu Architecture was tasked for renovations project undertaken by İstanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency by protocol signed by Culture and Tourism Ministry.
NGOs and trade associations have warned that AKM wants to be demolished within the scope of this operation.
Police station after Gezi protests
AKM has started to come into use as police station.
Association of Architectures filed a criminal complaint against the building being left to ruin and coming into use as police station in April 2014. However, decision of non-prosecution was assented. (NV/TK)
Click here to read the article in Turkish