Karaköy Square Through Changes: Urban Modernization and Heritagization in Istanbul from 1910 to 1960

??Karaköy Square has an important position in Istanbul, Turkiye, where commercial activities and history intersect over time. It had plenty of changes throughout history, especially during the creation of the square. The main focus of this research is: How Did Urban Modernization and Heritagization Transform Karaköy Square in Istanbul between 1910–1960? The research examines both physical and socio-cultural changes that contribute to Karaköy Square’s character. ??Through historical research, the thesis investigates the urban transformation that reshaped Karaköy Square’s physical landscape, by highlighting how historical buildings were demolished and how these changes affected the collective memory. It contains the creation of the square itself by demolishing existing structures and the result of the loss of urban heritage. In addition, it analyzes any alterations to Karaköy’s overall silhouette. ??Beyond the tangible, the research focuses on the intangible factors that contribute to Karaköy Square’s character. Karaköy used to be a minority-dominated region since at least the late Ottoman period, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. With the change of policies and the crises in the 20th century in Turkiye, it affected Karaköy’s sociocultural identity, and as a result, it changed the identity of the place. The research creates a link between intangible values and their perception. ??The main goal of the thesis is to create a complete historical narrative of Karaköy Square’s multilayered transformation. The research provides a link to how the urban area was not only physically transformed by losing its cultural heritage but also how its identity was reshaped by the changing social and political aspects of the country between 1910 to 1960.