Urban poetics: April 2011

Monday, April 25, 2011

Religious landscape

The Valley also manoeuvres through changing religious landscape and practices. The neighbourhood of Gulensu-Gulsuyu is dominantly Bektashi Shia Alevis Muslim. The Alevis form 20-30 percent population of the Turkey. While the neighbourhoods of Kiptas, Cevilzi and Dragos Hill are Sunni Muslim. The gated communities are mainly occupied by upper middle class conservative muslim nuclear families. The relationship between Alevis and Sunnis has shared a frictional relationship over time. While a number of conservative Sunnis look at Alevis as heterodox, rebellious and immoral, the Alevis look at Sunnis as reactionary, fanatic and anti-democratic. The Alevi minority has witnessed number of incidents in the city which reflect the prejudice of the dominant religion. Sivas Massacre is stated as one of these example where a mob of 20,000 Sunnis attacked group of Alevis celebrating Nuwroz. The hotel which was site for the celebration was set on fire and 37 Alevis were killed during these attacks.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

The neighbourhoods and nature

As one walks down the Hill, the relationship man makes with nature changes its form. The Kiptas housing is nestled in intricate network of designed gardens. This Gated community relates to nature as a medium of Leisure/ Pleasure to be consumed. When one walks through the streets of Gulensu-Gulsuyu, one cannot fail to notice vegetables growing in left over pots placed in crevices of two houses. The residents here share a more intimate relationship with nature where it is part of their everyday lives. They almost depend on nature for their survival. While for Cevilzi residents the nature is reduced down to a small planter in their balcony. Dragos Hill is a Hill covered with private Villas. For residents here Nature is more of a Jewel/an ornament with which they decorate their Villa.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Flying oil cans

Jugaad by Sanjeev Shankar

The installation is called Jugaad, a hindi term for the process of making something with the resources you have to hand. 692 discarded oil cans were crafted together by the local community of Rajokri to form this meeting space. The waste material was transformed into object of desire and value. The sculpture floats gracefully during the day giving shade to the inhabitants and reveals its sparkling splendour with the arrival of night.

http://www.sanjeevshankar.com/jugaad.html