Becoming Istanbul Concept Network
A dynamic network map revealing the hidden conceptual relationships and temporal structure behind the Becoming Istanbul media archive.
Becoming Istanbul Concept Network visualizes the internal dynamics of the Becoming Istanbul database—patterns and relationships not visible through individual exploration. This animated network map deciphers how concepts intersect across time, offering a systemic view of the project’s underlying structure.
Becoming Istanbul is an interactive archive that explores contemporary Istanbul through over 400 media entries, including artist videos, photo series, documentaries, news reports, cartoons, and architectural projects. The materials are organized around 80 core concepts, which both reflect dominant urban discourses and suggest alternative perspectives.
The archive highlights the work of artists and researchers who have critically engaged with often-overlooked actors and phenomena in Istanbul’s transformation, alongside public statements by decision-makers shaping the city’s future.
The conceptual framework for Becoming Istanbul was developed in 2008 by Pelin Derviş, Bülent Tanju, and Uğur Tanyeli, who also co-edited the project’s multi-authored critical dictionary, Becoming Istanbul, published in Turkish, English, and German. Related publications include Tracing Istanbul (from the air), edited by Meriç Öner, which analyzes urban change through aerial photography by Oğuz Meriç; and Mapping Istanbul, co-edited by Pelin Derviş and Meriç Öner, which visualizes the city through data and aerial maps.
The database interface was designed by Evren Yantaç and developed by Hüseyin Kuşçu. It remains accessible online as a living urban archive beyond the life of the exhibition. The spatial and graphic presentation of these works—exhibited across SALT Beyoğlu’s second and third floors—was created in collaboration with design studios Project Projects and Superpool.
