Doesn’t the name 85. Yıl Heykeli Statue sound modern? Well the sculptures were erected in various parks and squares in Istanbul around 1973. These sculptures marked the 50th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. So why is this statue called the 85th Year Statue? Let’s dive into the story of these sculptures and their significance.
The 85. Yıl Heykeli Statue is one of the sculptures erected to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Republic. The Turkish Republic was founded in 1923. The 50th anniversary was in 1973. The sculptures are known as Cumhuriyetin 50. Yılı Heykelleri in Turkish.
Back in the 1950s and 60s Turkish sculptors struggled to showcase their art. Public spaces lacked sculptures except for monuments. In May 1972 the Committee for the 50th Anniversary celebrations met. They planned to commission fifty sculptures initially. Limited funds reduced the number to twenty.
On September 13 1973 the committee approved sketches from twenty artists. This initiative marked a turning point. Sculptors got a chance to create art for specific locations. This allowed a shift towards modern sculpture. The project resulted in twenty sculptures in Istanbul’s public spaces. These sculptures reflected the artists’ unique styles.
Sadly many sculptures were lost damaged or removed soon after installation. Güzel İstanbul by Gürdal Duyar was deemed indecent by conservatives. It was moved from Karaköy Square to Yıldız Park. İşçi by Muzaffer Ertoran faced attacks. The fate of Nusret Suman’s Mimar Sinan is unknown. İkimiz by Namık Denizhan was removed due to external damage. Birlik by Mehmet Uyanık was demolished in 1986. Yükseliş by Bihrat Mavitran was destroyed for road construction in 1984. Yağmur by Ferit Özşen was damaged and removed. Abstract sculptures by Füsun Onur Seyhun Topuz and Tamer Başoğlu also disappeared. Yavuz Görey and Metin Haseki’s works were likely stolen for their metal.
Several of these sculptures have been restored. In 2011 seven sculptures were cleaned and restored. Hüseyin Anka Özkan’s Yankı was restored to its original state. There were plans to restore other sculptures too.
These sculptures, including the 85. Yıl Heykeli Statue represent a pivotal moment in Turkish art history. They offered sculptors a platform to express themselves. They also brought modern art to the public. The stories behind these sculptures reflect the challenges and triumphs of Turkish artists. They also reflect the evolving cultural landscape of Istanbul. The 85. Yıl Heykeli Statue stands as a reminder of this artistic endeavor.