İstanbul Mayor İmamoğlu: We Plan to Hold a Competition for Taksim Square

Click to read the article in Turkish

Metropolitan Mayor of İstanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu has paid a visit of examination to the archeological excavation site in Beşiktaş Subway and to Üsküdar Square. Answering the questions of journalists in Beşiktaş, İmamoğlu has also addressed Taksim Square.

Several squares in İstanbul under observation

As reported by Özlem Güvemli from the daily Sözcü, Ekrem İmamoğlu has indicated, "We have taken several squares under observation, I mean, not only the ones in Kadıköy, Üsküdar or widely discussed Taksim Square, but also those from Bağcılar to Esenler."

Continuing his remarks, İmamoğlu has emphasized, "I do not think that these huge, stark naked squares that make no sense add anything to the identity of this city. And Taksim is one of them... People want squares that are more lively and where they find identity. Because squares have an historical mission. From this point of view, we do not want to sit around a table by ourselves and make a decision on our own."

'A road map determined for Taksim'

Indicating that they have determined a road map for Taksim, Ekrem İmamoğlu has continued, "With the aim of building a project in a quick and sound manner, we plan to manage this process partly by holding a competition and creating selective committees before the public. We intend to submit it to the appreciation of the citizen."

"When such a method is realized, we will share it with you. We will share it in the near future. We foresee that we will quickly play a role there, we have to do it by thinking carefully. We will work to ensure that all squares find their identities. For Taksim Square, it can be partly competition and invitation. We will leave the rest to the appreciation of citizens."

New airport subways being constructed by ministry

İmamoğlu has also talked about the ongoing construction of a subway that will connect the new İstanbul Airport with the rest of the city:

Indicating that "the Mecidiyeköy - 3rd Airport line has been contracted out by the Ministry of Transportation", İmamoğlu has underlined that the construction works for the subway are still continuing and the line was not contracted out by the municipality. (HA/SD)