As we approach the 100th anniversary, the interest shown in the period when the Republic was proclaimed is increasing. Many exhibitions that meet with the audience throughout the year offer a comprehensive archive of the 100th anniversary of the Republic.
The First Years of the Republic
The Yapıkredi Culture and Arts is showcasing The First Year of Republic, an exhibition that delves into the events that occurred in Turkey from October 29, 1923, to October 29, 1924. The exhibition features sports and dance competitions, news from the culture and art scene, cartoons, and documentary films. You can visit the Yapı Kredi Gallery to see this exhibition until September 3, 2023.
The year 1923 was a time of significant transformation for the republic. It marked the start of a challenging period for the country. After examining the exhibition, it is clear that the society was exhausted from years of war, epidemics, and financial difficulties. There were political debates, economic problems, population exchanges, administrative reforms, and educational advancements. Furthermore, there were improvements in every sector, ranging from the judiciary to municipal services, but there were also grievances about public service,” said Didem Yazıcı, Director of Yapıkredi Galler. Despite these challenges, there were also ongoing activities in daily life, such as cinema, theatre, concerts, and sports.
“Long live the Republic! First Steps of Economic Independence in Atatürk Era”
Another exhibition opened on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Republic is “Long Live the Republic! It meets the audience with the title “The First Steps of Economic Independence in the Atatürk Era”. More than 2,000 documents, photographs, films and objects reflecting the production and social life of the period are featured in the exhibition, which was opened simultaneously at İşbank’s Türkiye İş Bankası Museum in İstanbul Eminönü and Türkiye İş Bankası Economic Independence Museum in Ankara Ulus.
Inspired by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s saying, “No matter how great the political and military victories are, if they are not crowned with economic victories, the result will not be permanent”, the exhibition draws on many corporate and personal archives, especially the archives of the İşbank Museum. The exhibition, which was prepared under the coordination of İş Sanat, was curated by Marmara University Faculty of Economics faculty member Dr. Instructor Its member, Murat Koraltürk, undertakes the design of Pattu Architecture.
Lozan 1923/Century Ago Begining
Another “Lausanne 1923/Century Ago Beginning” exhibition is currently on display at Casa Botter. The exhibition marks the 100th anniversary of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) and focuses on the Lausanne Peace Conference, which was a crucial event in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. The exhibition showcases period photographs and documents related to the treaty process. As part of the Century of Democracy activities by IMM, the exhibition features items from external sources and private collections, including archives from the İBB Atatürk Library and İnönü Foundation, providing a glimpse into the past and the events that took place a hundred years ago.
The exhibition, which is curated by Izzeddin Calislar with advisory by Prof. Dr. Mehmet O., is designed by Alkan and Tetrazon. The exhibition aims to express gratitude towards Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding leader of the Turkish Republic, İsmet İnönü, the chief representative of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, and all their colleagues. This exhibition showcases the experiences of the process that led to the recognition of victories at the front through international law. The exhibition features a collection of visual and written materials from various sources, providing the audience with an immersive experience.
Occupied City- Istanbul under Siege
The Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation Istanbul Research Institute’s latest exhibition presents a glimpse into Istanbul occupied by the British, French and Italian armed forces after World War I, as revealed through written accounts and images discovered in the archives. Curators Daniel-Joseph MacArthur-Seal & Gizem Tongo say the occupation had a wide-ranging impact that all quarters of the Istanbul population felt.
The exhibition features a range of textual and visual materials from official documents to paintings, films, and photographs from various libraries, archives, and collections in Turkey, France, Britain, Greece, Armenia, and Russia, most of which will be on public display for the first time. These materials, in addition to the archives of the Istanbul Research Institute, provide visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history. The centenary of the Allied withdrawal from Istanbul and arrival of Turkish troops, provide a timely moment to revisit the often-forgotten individuals, events and movements that defined a city that was occupied in all senses of the word.
