Speaker
Description
Urban space emerges as a dynamic arena where spatial, social, and political forces converge and interact. This research examines how the temporary use of public spaces during events can permanently transform perceived, conceived, and lived spaces. Events, through their capacity to reshape the form, function and meaning of public spaces, serve as key agents in this process of transformation. The Bergama Festival, a prominent cultural event in İzmir, represents an integral element of the city’s cultural heritage. Bergama’s historical legacy, spanning Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, earned its designation as a UNESCO “Multi-layered Cultural Landscape” in 2014. Initiated as one of the Turkish Republic’s earliest tourism strategies in 1937, the festival has been held annually, incorporating diverse events such as concerts, sports competitions, theatre performances, and folk dances. Initially, the festival was designed to highlight local values, encompassing the rural landscape from the Çandarlı coastline to the Kozak Plateau and the Bakırçay Basin. However, subsequent policy developments aimed at enhancing accessibility led to the concentration of festival activities within the central public spaces. The event venues in the city center include not only modern everyday spaces but also protected historical sites. In 1993, Cumhuriyet Square was specifically designed by renowned architect Cengiz Bektaş to host festival events. Public spaces such as Atatürk Street and Çamlı Park are also temporarily adapted to accommodate these events. Furthermore, the festival redefined the use of the city’s cultural heritage sites, including the Asklepeion, Acropolis, Ancient Theatre, and the Red Courtyard, by altering their accessibility and public engagement during festival periods. Driven by neoliberal trends, the festival program has shifted toward popular culture to enhance visibility and attract a broader audience. While this strategy expands its appeal, it also strains urban spaces and sidelines local cultural characteristics. Prioritizing visitor-driven consumption risks marginalizing residents, undermining their right to the city, eroding their sense of belonging, and reducing their support for the event. Methodologically, the research employs a mixed methods approach to capture the complexity of this phenomenon. The study first analyses archival and secondary sources, transforming this data into a comprehensive timeline of event policies and spatial story maps that trace the evolution of the form of festival venues. Second, semi-structured interviews are conducted with municipal representatives, non-governmental organizations, and residents, to uncover the changing function and meaning of event spaces. The content analysis of interviews reveals a conceptual framework of the socio-spatial challenges and potentials. The findings highlight the dual role of public space in the context of planned events. On one hand, festivals activate and revitalize urban spaces, expanding the cultural and social significance of heritage sites and fostering collective use. On the other hand, the commodification of historical and natural elements and the overcapacity of urban spaces during events temporarily restrict public access, raising questions about inclusivity and equity. This study critically evaluates these dynamics, contributing to ongoing debates about the contested nature of public space and the tensions between the rights of residents and visitors. This study contributes to debates on cultural event policies and urban space by critically examining the spatial challenges of the Bergama Festival and its role in shaping public space. By providing insights into how festivals transform both the form, function and meaning of urban spaces, it offers implications for urban planners and policymakers seeking to create more inclusive and sustainable public spaces in the face of global challenges.
| Keywords | cultural event; festival; cultural heritage; public space; sense of place |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
