ISMD is aware of the importance of presenting contemporary, alternative projects beneficial for the city and its residents to the public. In this context, it believes that generating and discussing such projects is an important duty for all architects who bear the responsibility of being civilized and enlightened.
Recognizing that this constructive task primarily belongs to the younger generation, ISMD has decided to open a design competition for architecture students to engage in discussions, generate ideas, and actively participate in these processes regarding the reconsideration of Küçüksu Meadow to contribute to Istanbul's contemporary urban life.
With this aim, bringing Küçüksu Meadow back into Istanbul's contemporary life is the first step in preserving Istanbul's historical heritage. The Göksu region, which includes Anadolu Hisarı, built by Yıldırım Bayezid even before the conquest of Istanbul, marks the initial sign of Turkish efforts to conquer Istanbul's Asian side from the Byzantine capital. This picturesque structure is the first Turkish building still standing in Istanbul today.
Such a physical element that continues to exist within the historical status of any city undoubtedly bears national significance. Moreover, Anadolu Hisarı has maintained its presence throughout Istanbul's history. One of the physical reasons for this is that this area, containing the most beautiful and extensive plain with two streams within approximately 50 km2 of the Bosphorus, is directly adjacent to the coastline, covering an average of 3750 acres. The large trees in today's Küçüksu - Göksu Meadow are remnants of the gardens of the Hünkâr Kasırları (Sultans' Mansions) and probably the extensive garden of the 18th-century 1st Mahmut mansion. Throughout known history in Istanbul, this area, starting from a palace that could have existed during the Justinianos period, was the most beautiful green area of the Bosphorus.
However, this historical recreation area, which was destroyed by the construction sites of bridges, is not only a concern for architects but also a historical and urban environment issue that every Istanbulite with historical consciousness should worry about.
The aim of the competition is to re-integrate Küçüksu Meadow, which evaluates historical data, into urban life as an aesthetic and functional whole, engrave the consciousness of a historical entity, which added a fortress in 1400 to the general urban image, into urban consciousness, and to revive the most beautiful natural and historical site of the Bosphorus, enriching its history and the daily life of its people.
At the end of the competition, a prize of 3000 TL will be awarded to the winner, 2500 TL to the second place, and 2000 TL to the third place, and each of the 3 honorable mentions will receive 1500 TL. In addition, the student who wins the first prize will be awarded a special prize of Interrail for a trip to Europe.