Reconstructing the fragmented identities.
The Syrian Civil War has led to the displacement of millions of people forcing them to abandon their homes possibly for good. In Syria, your home is considered as part of you and your identity and therefore, leaving it means losing a part of yourself. One is left with only a few objects as fragments that link to the memories of the home that once was. Though, more importantly the possessions reflect the different social and cultural rituals and ceremonies that are crucial to understand in order to enable the people to have continuation in their everyday lives.
Izmir in Turkey has been one of the transit cities leading to Europe, though ending up as the final destination for the displaced. Especially the neighbourhood of Basmane has been put on a lot of pressure causing tensions between the host and arriving communities. Furthermore, the area holds visible traces of its own multicultural history in the form of decaying buildings. These ruins are someone else’s homes, hidden treasures that the Memory-places support and grow from.
The thesis takes upon the challenge of reconstructing fragmented identities of both displaced people and neglected buildings in Izmir, Turkey. The architecture aims at softening existing tensions by creating spaces of possibilities for the Syrian and Turkish cultures. The Memory-places mirror the memories of the past with the current surroundings to imagine a third reality presenting new layers to the existing narratives. The past should not be forgotten, instead the reminiscence of it helps in being in the present and creating a new sense of belonging.
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The project has benefited of consistent dialogue with a Syrian friend and collaboration with partners and researchers in Izmir providing crucial information of the refugee situation in Izmir.
The project has been exhibited in April and September 2021 in Izmir in the locations of TIAFI (Team International Assistance For Integration) and a public church in Basmane.
The thesis was presented at Venice Biennale 2021 as part of Global Free Unit and their residency at the Korean pavilion with the theme Future School.
Tutors: Amalia Katopodis, Robert Mull and Sangram Shirke
Examiners: Roemer van Toorn and Esperanza Campana
Objects as starting point, the thesis evolved exploring the meaning of memories of the past in the reconstruction of the future.
Treasure map of Basmane.
Map of abandoned houses in Basmane.
Palace
Anchor
Gate
