Sep 9–11, 2005

Model Turkey?

New Forms of Urban Public Life and the Art Scene in Istanbul

Conference

Sep 9, 7 pm at the House of World Cultures
Sep 10–11, 11 am at the Martin-Gropius-Bau

During the past decade, Turkey has changed at an incredible pace, affecting almost every aspect of society. Nowhere is this more noticeable than in the urban centres of Istanbul.

The conference Model Turkey?, which is being held on the occasion of the art exhibition Urban Realities: Focus Istanbul at the Martin-Gropius-Bau, examines the opening-up of Turkish society since the 1990s. One result has been the emergence of a modern art scene in Istanbul and the growing attraction of the Turkish metropolis for international artists.

FRIDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 2005 | House of World Cultures

9 p.m. Opening – Welcome

7:20 p.m. On the History of Islamic Public Life in the Republic of Turkey Keynote: Iiber Ortayli (Istanbul)

8-10 p.m. Turkey as a model for a secular republic in an Islamic society? Short lectures followed by a panel discussion. Host: Jürgen Gottschlich (Istanbul):
A “historical compromise” between a secular republic and a democratic Islamic elite in Turkey? Lecture by Tülin Bumin (Istanbul)
The attraction of the Turkish way to Turkey’s Arab neighbours. Lecture by Michel Kilo (Damaskus)
Social modernisation processes in Turkey from a European point of view. Lecture byCem Özdemir (Brussels/Berlin)

Organised by: Berliner Festspiele, House of World Cultures and the Forum Goethe-Institut