Sculpted in cold, stark concrete, the Balerin Heykeli stands as a silent witness to Istanbul’s vibrant past. Here in Yıldız Park, she seems serene. Yet, her journey to this peaceful spot was anything but calm. The Balerin Heykeli, also known as “Güzel İstanbul” or “Beautiful Istanbul”, wasn’t always a park resident. Commissioned in 1973 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Turkish Republic, this nude female figure, the creation of sculptor Gürdal Duyar, was originally meant for the bustling Karaköy Square. Duyar envisioned her as an allegory of Istanbul itself. He saw the city’s history reflected in her form. Her chained hands symbolized the Byzantine chain across the Golden Horn, broken by the Ottomans. Her backward-leaning posture, her gaze to the sky, spoke of liberation and the future. The plinth, adorned with pomegranates, figs, honeysuckle, and a bee, further enhanced this symbolism, each element representing a facet of Istanbul’s rich tapestry. But 1974 Istanbul wasn’t ready for such a bold statement. Almost immediately after her installation, controversy erupted. Her nudity became a scandal, sparking a media frenzy. Conservative politicians deemed her obscene, a disgrace to Turkish mothers. The “Güzel İstanbul Affair” dominated public discourse for nine tense days, threatening to topple the governing coalition. Then, in a midnight operation, the Balerin Heykeli was torn from her pedestal, her arm broken, her plinth shattered. She lay abandoned, a casualty of a culture clash. But the story doesn’t end there. Through quiet intervention, she found refuge here in Yıldız Park. Although damaged and missing her original ornate base, she stands tall. The Balerin Heykeli serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art, the winds of change, and the enduring spirit of Istanbul.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to