Urban Transformation In 1950’S: The Case of Hacettepe District, Ankara

Abstract

Modernism period indicates an important period because it created new ontology of individuals and society structure through changing world view. Modernism affected urbanisation in different ways. Some researchers believe that modernism like a sharp knife divides a city into two pieces and draws restricted boundaries. On the other hand, some of them claim that modernism is necessary for development. It is important here to understand and evaluate the modernism perception and policies of political authority who adopts the modernist approach as an ideology. In this study, the effects of 1950’s modernist approach to the historical urban pattern in Ankara is particularly addressed and discussed. Deciding on an area for a case study seems beneficial and necessary to understand and evaluate the effects of modernist approach on a historical site. Altindag district which dates back to 15^th century has important historical and cultural characteristics for Ankara city. Therefore, the development of Hacettepe University Campus between 1954 and 1973 along with the historical site of Sihhiye district which is under the jurisdiction of Alt?nda? Municipality is studied as a case study area in order to reveal the reflections of modernist ideology in those years. This transformation affected the Hacettepe district not only physically but also socio-culturally very profoundly.

Keywords: modernism in 1950s, urban transformation, urban conservation, Hacettepe district, Ankara