There is an exciting exhibition hall founded by businessman and activist Osman Kavala. When I visited it on the end of the slope in Tophane among the labyrinth like streets, I was amazed to learn that the hall used to be a tobacco warehouse. The name of the exhibition hall simply takes its name from this former warehouse. Depo İstanbul hosts a wide range of stimulating exhibitions of contemporary art along with panels and events.
Depo İstanbul is currently holding an exhibition in the second year of the earthquake in the southeast of Turkey which ‘highlights stories of hope rebuilt through art by high school and university students, as well as recent graduates from Hatay. Centered around the themes of solidarity and transformation, the exhibition aims to serve as a call for collective healing and resilience.‘ (taken from depotistanbul.net)
The founder of Depo İstanbul, Osman Kavala who is also a human rights activist and a philanthropist has been unlawfully jailed for life. for the alleged conviction of sponsoring the Gezi Protests.
An iconic photo from Gezi Protests that took place in 2013
Artist Ateş Alpar’s performance of Osman Kavala is among us took place two years ago when he walked with a large size of Kavala’s photo across İstanbul’s neighbourhoods.
‘The artist says ‘Kavala’s smile is undermining lawlessness that keeps him walking freely on the streets.’
Make sure to visit an old tobacco warehouse turned into a haven for art by Osman Kavala whose efforts and dedication made it possible.
Visit depo İstanbul at depoistanbul.net
