THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL CHANGE AND POPULAR CULTURE IN HISTORICAL PLACES:THE CASE OF ISTIKLAL AVENUE

Abstract

The world has been in constant change and development since its existence. Throughout the history, Istanbul which has always been popular especially because of its location, has undoubtedly been one of the places that are most affected by these changes and developments. For this reason, Pera District-Istiklal Avenue was chosen as the case.While analyzing Istiklal Avenue, the pressure of popular culture on places, and its effect on identity, especially in the current situation which is a result of social changes and developments, are discussed. The data were collected using on-site observation and photographing methods, and the obtained data were matched with the current panoramic map view. In the light of the collected data, the whole process and the milestones Istiklal Avenue went through until today were determined. Function analysis was made in the light of the current view of Istiklal Avenue, which was obtained with the photographs taken. The role of the Avenue in history has been compared with its current role. The changes, and the pressure of popular culture that the Avenue has experienced are discussed. As a result, it has been determined that Istiklal Avenue has moved away from its historical value and is no different from an ordinary street or any shopping center. By observing the identities of the commercial service units, it has been determined that there are chain brands identified by fast consumption-popular culture, and that the avenue has experienced an intense identity change under the influence of this popular culture.