A simple monument a tribute to a life cut short. This is Ekmekçi Berkin’i Arıyor. It stands in Mehmet Ayvalıtaş Square in Kadıköy a poignant reminder of Berkin Elvan. Berkin a young man tragically killed by a police tear gas canister during the Gezi Park protests. He was just buying bread when his life was taken.
Ekmekçi Berkin’i Arıyor is more than just a statue. It’s a symbol. The sculptor İskender Giray intentionally left it unsigned. He wanted the focus to be on Berkin’s story not his own artistry. The statue depicts Berkin carrying a bag. This bag isn’t empty. It’s a place for Kadıköy residents to leave bread for the needy. A simple act of community solidarity born from tragedy.
The statue wasn’t always here in its current form. Vandals attacked it on the second anniversary of the Gezi protests. They destroyed it. İskender Giray however refused to let it be forgotten. He painstakingly repaired it. He placed it back in the square. The act of restoration is as powerful as the initial creation. It symbolizes the resilience of the community the spirit of Berkin.
İskender Giray’s work isn’t limited to Ekmekçi Berkin’i Arıyor. His art reflects a deep concern for social issues. He created a mural for miners. A poignant image accompanying the words “Would you enter for 5 lira an hour? If you can’t get out? Fate.” This was painted shortly before the Soma mine disaster. The timing made the work even more heartbreaking. A stark comment on worker’s rights and the cost of life.
Ekmekçi Berkin’i Arıyor is more than a monument. It’s a symbol of remembrance. It is a testament to community spirit and the power of art to spark dialogue. It also reflects a wider picture of social injustices. Stand before this statue and remember Berkin’s story. Let it inspire reflection on loss and the importance of social justice. It’s a place to leave bread for the poor. But it’s also a place to leave your thoughts.