We have had people asking us of late when the demolitions will start. The fencing went up a few weeks ago along a main section of the development bordering Tarlabasi Boulevard; but then little happened after that. Well now on the front and behind the scenes are the demolition work has actively started.
Workers demolishing one of the original buildings of Tarlabasi
Then shortly afterwards I pass an empty doorway; two street artists are at work…..crunching across broken glass, they are scratching away at a blue painted wall – revealing Charlie Chaplin to residents and passers-by.
Street artists at work: they were scratching off the blue paintwork with chisels to "reveal" Charlie Chaplin below.
Note to the Istanbul municipality: demolishing is not the same as renovating.