A Square to Park

A History of the Spatial Transformation of Zafer Square, Ankara

Abstract

In this study, the dynamics of the formation and transformation of Zafer Square, an essential urban space of Ankara, are examined in an attempt to draw attention to the square-park dilemma observed in its description as an urban open space. Accordingly, the historical process is chronologically divided into three periods while examining the causes of this dilemma. Initially, a theoretical discussion based on literature research is conducted to ascertain whether this area is a square or a park in the context of public spaces. In the first period, the Early Republican Period (1923–1945), the formation of Zafer Square was examined, while in the second period, which denotes the Democratic Party Period (1950–1960s), the change in its meaning and spatiality is questioned. The interventions on Zafer Square and Atatürk Boulevard are discussed as indicators of this political evolution and its reflection on urban space and Yenişehir. In the last section, the issues caused by its transformation to Zafer II Park on one side and an undefined space on the other side are scrutinised as it lost its meaning and characteristics as a boulevard square with the new structuring on the east side.