OH, SULUKULE

The Sulukule quarter was a historical district located in Istanbul that was home to one of the oldest Roma communities in the world. The Roma people have called Sulukule home for more than a thousand years. They once erected tents on Byzantine city walls before Istanbul became Turkish.

Despite strong resistance, Sulukule was razed to the ground over a process of about three years. Residents were forced to sell their property and accept resettlement terms. They were moved into new housing projects some 40 kilometers outside of Istanbul in the district of Tasoluk.

UNESCO, the European Parliament, the OSZE and other international organizations did make formal inquiries into the forced resettlement of the Roma and the rezoning of Sulukule. An independent expert commission proposed ways to renovate the aging district without completely destroying the infrastructure and displacing the native community.

But the Istanbul city council remained steadfast in its purpose. They pushed for a comprehensive urban renewal plan regardless of the Roma population at stake. The last house was demolished on November 12th, 2009.

THE FIRST FILM IS ALREADY IN PLACE
I traveled to Istanbul in July of 2009 to record and document the disappearing Sulukule neighborhood. The film is centered around the Sululukle Roma Orchestra, which was founded in 2006 as a form of protest against the urban renewal. The orchestra’s aim was to keep the Roma culture alive and relevant in the community.

The destruction of Sulukule represents not only the demolition of Roma homes and identity, it also robbed the community of a means of living. Most residents were musicians who entertained guests with traditional music and dance in their own houses, an economic opportunity that died along with Sulukule.

The Sulukule Roma Orchestra continues to play, despite the absence of any living quarters. This factz means something to the Roma community. The musicians are still able to earn some money, but they’re searching for a place to run a cultural center where they can meet, practise their music and teach the Roma youth.

Once I finished this first film I realized it only represents a very small contribution in the plight of Sulukule and its Roma community. For that reason, I wanted to make three thematically unique Sulukule films.

THE REMAINING TWO FILMS
The second film will focus on the city’s plans, highlighting the political and societal factors. How does the city council justify the complete destruction of the historic quarter? Why was conserving the neighborhood not a consideration, despite international protests and suggestions? What will Sulukule become, and what does the neighborhood’s destruction mean for other historic quarters in Istanbul?
I have already contacted the municipal office in charge of the urban renewal project in the Sulukule district. I plan to interview both leading politicians as well as independent city planners to hear their perspectives on Sulukule. I will also research and cite the appropriate materials in order to document the process of research, evaluation and planning.

The third film will feature the Roma music and the role it’s played in Turkish society. Roma musicians discuss the soul of their music and what its significance in Roma culture. Their words will prove that their vivid and colorful music is popular among Turkish communities. Television shows like “Roman Star” and themes at luxurious restaurants are evidence of the culture’s place in Turkish society. Despite support, the lifestyle and people behind the music are rejected - a trend reflected in Western society.TV producers and restaurant owners will have a chance to share their point of view. A Sulukule native, Kobra Murat, has shot to fame as a costume designer creating Roma fashion for TV shows, weddings, circumcision celebrations and other events. At times, he sings along with the orchestra and carries the film as a lead character.

The three films correspond to each other but also should be independent films as they focus on different themes. The films are 2 channel videos and are broadcast as split screen films or on 2 identical monitors.