Architects gather for Emek Theater

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

At the press meeting, Mücella Yapıcı, the representative of Chamber of Architects says, Emek Tehater was a part of Istanbul’s cultural heritage. DHA Photo

Members of the Istanbul Chamber of Architects have gathered in Istanbul to protest the controversial demolition of the city’s historic Emek Theater, lamenting the loss of an iconic landmark.

“There is no turning back from the demolition,” said the president of the chamber, Deniz İncedayı.
Buildings that are undergoing restoration must be refurbished in a way that will be beneficial for the public, İncedayı said. “We will do whatever we can to prevent [future] destruction.”

Mücella Yapıcı, a representative of the chamber, said the cultural heritage and protected areas that have become a part of Istanbul’s cultural life have become a victim of capital.

There should be a really good restoration project for Emek, she added. The chamber had earlier initiated legal proceedings in response to a court’s recent annulment of the stay of execution for the demolition – which authorities have described as a restoration.

The building housing the historic Emek Theater on İstiklal Avenue is set to be turned into a shopping center, while the cinema itself will be “lifted” to another floor, according those leading the project.