EAA-Emre Arolat #Architecture has recently released its absolutely phenomenal design for the Küçükçekmece Djemevi, a new concept for a civic space in Istanbul designed to combat social exclusion and provide a comfortable and inviting environment for the #Alevi community.
The concept was recognized during the World Architecture Festival 2024, earning them the award of Future Project of the Year in recognition of its social inclusivity and careful adaptation to local traditions and needs.
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The design process involved an extensive examination of both oral and written cultural documents to understand the sociological conditions of the Alevis community, with ample research focused on ensuring that the design would meet the community's cultural and ritualistic needs, all while countering social exclusion.
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You have probably never heard of the Alevis, and this is no accident. According to the Turkish government, over 99 percent of its citizens are Muslim, but this statistic is sociopolitically misleading.
An estimated 15-25 percent of Turks are a part of the #Alevi community, an ethno-religious and largely secularized minority group which is not recognized by the Turkish constitution. Alevis number around 20-25 million, comparable in size to the Jewish population.
The architectural design of the Küçükçekmece Djemevi was conceived in response to the socio-political climate of Istanbul, where identity-based policies have led to the marginalization of certain groups.
This project was designed specifically to provide the Alevi community with a legitimate and inclusive space aligned with their cultural traditions, particularly the "cem" ritual.
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