Proceedings of the 12th International Academic Conference, Prague

POLITICAL POWER, RESISTANCE AND SQUARES

EMEK BAYRAK, MAKBULE ŞIRINER ÖNVER

Abstract:

Capitalism has emerged along with cities, and cities constitute the agent of its development. The design, construction, formation and usage of urban spaces are very important for capitalist production. In that sense, the struggle for space is a struggle between the ruler and the ruled. Squares are one of the places where this struggle becomes concrete and visible. This fight transforms the squares continuously. The government which applies neoliberal policies and the public emerge as the agents of this transformation. Neoliberal policies and the authoritarian tendencies which are attached to it may be the dynamics of the struggle. The dynamics of people’s struggles for the squares contain different demands that range from reforms to total transformation of the system. Squares are one of the places where this struggle occurs in Turkey, just like other countries. Therefore, the government endeavors to keep urban squares under control at all times. İstanbul Taksim Square is an example of this. In this study, the struggles which take place in relation to squares, particularly the Taksim Square, is discussed. 1st of May and Taksim Gezi Park protests which occurred in 2013 are examined in this perspective.

Keywords: Political power, square, Taksim Square, struggle

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