Find the difference between the two buildings
The construction of the building that is being erected in place of Istanbul’s historic Emek Theater was halted with a stay of execution decision, as it was not being built according to the original project.
The claim is that the construction was damaging the adjacent historic buildings.
Now, there is the Criterion Theater in London, which is interesting to consider.
- The Criterion was built in 1873 as a restaurant and music hall.
- The Emek was built in 1884 as Istanbul Hunters Club.
- The Emek had a hall hosting 875 people, Criterion hosts 588 people.
- Both the Emek and the Criterion are ornamented, elegant buildings, influenced by both the architectural style of the time and also the French Renaissance, baroque and rococo.
- Both buildings have memories in the minds of the people of the city and historic value for the city and the country’s show world.
- When in 1970, the block where Criterion is located was about to undergo urban transformation, city residents and artists took to the streets fearing that the theater may be damaged.
- In 2013, upon the news that the Emek Theater was going to be knocked down and a shopping mall would be built in place of it, people and artists took to the streets.
- Upon the Criterion protests, in 1975, it was decided that the block would be renewed only on the condition that the theater would be fully functional, performing non-stop. Despite this, even bigger street demonstrations were organized with the participation of famous artists in 1980.
- In 2013, tear gas and water was sprayed at demonstrators and artists during the Emek protests.
- In 1980, after the Criterion protests, the theater was renewed after the forming of a foundation. The surrounding new buildings were then constructed in harmony with the theater, taking the theater as a basis.
- The Emek was knocked down in 2013.
- The Criterion is now active and is a wonderful theater. I watched the play “The 39 Steps” there last week. It was fabulous.
Ask the show world, for God’s sake
Now, on the greeting ceremony organized at the Presidential Palace the other day in Ankara with the soldier costumes of 16 Turkish states…
No, I will not make jokes about it; all the jokes have been made. But I have to say this: It is a difficult business, all that costume drama, historic show, costume plays; they need expertise.
First, I think these kinds of flamboyant ideas should not be adapted to an official meeting where two leaders shake hands and pose but for celebrations, holidays and crowded ceremonies.
Second, if we are so demanding, if we want this much splendor, I understand. No problem. Then, this is not done like this. You ask help from the show business world. You cannot catch, create or provide the magnificence you wish by making military tailors sew costumes to be worn by one person each. There should be at least one company of soldiers and you should use make-up, light and music. If you add the brilliant talents of the sector to the entire show, then you would have an effect on the leaders in ceremonies, as well as make headlines promoting your country. Because, “There’s no business like show business!”
Do not ask everything to the ulama (religious scholars); ask some things to artists. Actually, ask several things to the artists for a change, and let’s see what they have to say…
PS: I am honored to be nominated for the Female Journalist of the Year award. I am thrilled. I started this job when I was 19 as a reporter for a magazine. Later, I was an editor and for 15 years I have been writing for Sabah and Hürriyet. I am incredibly happy to be nominated together with those wonderful female journalists, most of them who I adore. Wow!
