Walkshop | Walking the Invisible Lines of Golden Horn: Fener-Balat-Ayvansaray

Istanbul's relationship with its topography holds a range of semantic connections. Historical Istanbul's monumental structures, through their relationship with its topographical lines, shaped the city's unique silhouette. Later, to preserve this silhouette, new construction was restricted above 40 meter levels. Today, elevation and topography hold a very different meaning, particularly in coastal cities. Rising sea levels due to the climate crisis offer important clues for the future of urban design and land use along the coasts. This route aims to understand the relationship with the coast not only along the coastline but also through the relationships between uses at different elevations and the surrounding landscape. It examines the shoreline changes and the resulting transformations prompted by the climate crisis.

Location: Golden Horn, Fatih

Facilitators: Assoc. Prof. Melih Birik (MSGSU), Assoc. Prof. Bahar Aksel (MSGSU)

Language: English

Quota: 20 participants

Date & Time: Friday, October 3, 2025, 2:00 PM

Starting Point: Haliç Congress Center

Notes:

Each participant may register for only one route.

After registration, tour tickets must be acquired from the MARUF stand on MARUF days.

Participants must be present at the Haliç Congress Center with their tickets at 1:30 PM.

Registration information will be provided one week in advance.

Transportation to the route starting point will be provided. Participants will be able to return at its conclusion by their own means.

As the route is set on Istanbul's hilly terrain, participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.