Fatih Mayor M. Ergün Turan announced that the Yavuz Sultan Selim Observation Terrace Project, designed to enhance the visibility of the Golden Horn silhouette and the mosque’s prominence within the city, is proceeding meticulously according to its planned schedule. The project, implemented by the Fatih Municipality, seeks to establish a new public area that provides diverse viewing opportunities of Istanbul’s historic landscape.
Project Aims to Redefine Relationship with Historical Environment
Mayor Turan emphasized that this endeavor transcends a mere physical arrangement. “This work is not just a physical arrangement; it also redefines our relationship with the historical environment, strengthening urban memory,” Turan stated. He further added, “We are creating an arrangement that makes the Golden Horn silhouette more visible and the mosque’s place within the city more distinct.” The project area encompasses the Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque and its immediate surroundings, a location of significant historical and cultural importance in Istanbul.
Creating a Holistic Living Space
Turan highlighted the project’s objective: “Our aim is to protect the historical environment while nurturing neighborhood culture and producing quality public spaces that people can use at all hours of the day. Here, we are creating a holistic living space that brings together social, cultural, and recreational uses.” Upon completion, this area is expected to become one of Istanbul’s special spots for observing the city’s historical texture from various perspectives.
Two-Stage Development Spanning Over 7,000 Square Meters
The project is being executed in two stages to facilitate implementation and preserve urban continuity. The first stage covers 3,239.67 square meters, and the second stage encompasses 3,889.26 square meters, totaling a redesigned area of 7,128.93 square meters. The development includes a social facility, an urban amphitheater, a playground, a square, a picnic area, an observation terrace, and seating units, reflecting a versatile usage concept catering to different age groups.
Enhancing Neighborhood Life and Accessibility
The ongoing works are transforming the area into a more open, spacious, and accessible structure, prioritizing pedestrian access and ease of use. The project is conceived not merely as a viewpoint but as a space for relaxation, gathering, and social interaction, aiming to strengthen neighborhood life.
New Landmark for Istanbul
As part of the project, structures that obscured the silhouette of the Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque and posed security risks have been removed, thereby making the region’s historical identity more apparent. The completed Yavuz Sultan Selim Observation Terrace is anticipated to become a significant attraction point, actively utilized at both the neighborhood and city levels. The area is slated to open to the public upon the project’s finalization.
Source: https://www.yenisafak.com/foto-galeri/gundem/fatihteki-yavuz-sultan-selim-seyir-terasi-projesi-devam-ediyor-4817262
