Buildings and Places in Old Istanbul (1931-1973)

The 20th work of the Sermet Muhtar Istanbul Library is Structures and Places in Old Istanbul. This book compiles writings penned by Sermet Muhtar Alus between 1931 and 1973 for Akşam, Son Posta, and Tasvir-i Efkâr newspapers; for Istanbul Belediye Mecmuası, Yeni Mecmua, Aydede, Amcabey, Resimli Tarih Mecmuası, Tarih Hazinesi magazines; and for the Istanbul Encyclopedia.

The book groups the historical places of old Istanbul, such as bridges, schools, dervish lodges, tombs, mosques, bazaars, city walls, dams, arches, water scales, quays, towers, government offices, museums, and apartments; the shops and shopping areas of the period; coffee houses, theaters, cinemas, gardens, and farms; famous restaurants, pastry shops, and confectioneries; hotels and entertainment venues, into separate sections. The articles within each section are arranged chronologically.

Places where social life emerged with all its vibrancy change over time, giving new aspects to the human-place relationship. This work brings the relationship of the people of old Istanbul with the places that shaped their social life, and the lost past life of "Beloved Istanbul" with its different facets, to today's reader.

For Whom?

• Readers interested in Istanbul's history and urban memory
• Those working in architecture, urban planning, and cultural heritage
• Researchers of Old Istanbul's structures and everyday life spaces
• Those who enjoy reading archive compilations and urban writings