The 50th Anniversary of the Republic Sculptures () are 20 sculptures erected in Istanbul that were created by selected Turkish sculptors to mark the 50th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. The sculptures were erected in various parks and squares in Istanbul in around 1973. Many of them were damaged, destroyed, lost, or moved, and only a handful remain today.
It was difficult for Turkish sculptors to get their works seen in the years between 1950 and 1960; what sculptors needed was for their sculptures to be displayed in public spaces. There were very few public sculptures, other than monuments, in Turkey until 1973. In May 1972, the Committee for the 50th Anniversary of the Republic Celebrations gathered at the headquarters of the Governor of Istanbul. It initially planned to commission 50 sculptures to mark the anniversary; however, due to limited funds the number was reduced to 20. On 13 September 1973, the sketches and photographs sent by the 20 selected artists were approved by the board members of the committee. The initiative was a turning point for Turkish sculpture. For the first time, sculptors were given a chance, outside the scope of monuments, to create sculptures for predetermined locations. This allowed a shift towards modern sculpture. The result of the project was 20 sculptures erected in public spaces in Istanbul by important sculptors which reflected their original sculpting style.
Many of the sculptures were lost, damaged or removed (or both), some only a few days after they were erected. , by Gürdal Duyar, was found by certain traditional conservatives to be "indecent"; it was removed from Karaköy Square and eventually taken to Yıldız Park. by Muzaffer Ertoran was targeted in attacks. The fate of Nusret Suman's is unknown. by Namık Denizhan was removed due to "damage from external factors". by Mehmet Uyanık was demolished by a municipal compressor gun in 1986. by Bihrat Mavitran was destroyed for road construction in 1984. by Ferit Özşen was damaged and eventually removed. Abstract sculptures which were lost include one by Füsun Onur which was removed during Bedrettin Dalan's municipal tenure in 1985, one by Seyhun Topuz which collapsed due to "natural causes" in 1984, and one by Tamer Başoğlu which disappeared in 1986, while those by Yavuz Görey and Metin Haseki were probably stolen for their bronze and copper.
Sculptures + The 50th Anniversary Sculptures Image Name/Type Sculptor Location Medium Notes ('Workers Statue') TophaneConcrete Attacked and damaged for years and eventually removed in 2016 ('Beautiful Istanbul') Karaköy Square(10–18 March 1974)Yıldız Park(3 May 1974 – present)Concrete Installed 10 March 1974. Removed from Karaköy and damaged in the process after public debate about its appropriateness. Later it was moved to Yıldız Parkı, where it was eventually re-erected. ('Rain') Arnavutköy Akıntı BurnuIron Removed in 1987 when the road parallel to the beach was widened *A sample of Haseki's style. Not the actual sculpture.Abstract: Negative Form Gümüşsuyu Park, DolmabahçeCopper Stolen the same day or a week after it was inaugurated Abstract:('Ascension') in front of the Hilton Hotel in HarbiyeAluminium Lost in 1979 during road construction ('The Two of Us') Taksim Gezi Park Concrete Removed following the 1980 Turkish coup d'état. It was removed by Denizhan himself after being damaged by external causes – or, according to some rumors, it was removed at the order of a colonel who was acting as the Mayor of Şişli at the time. Abstract MaçkaConcrete Stands in its original location, Abstract Bebek ParkCopper Stands in its original location, ('Spring') Emirgan ParkConcrete First placed in front of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, then removed and placed in a few different locations, the last being in front of the Yellow Kiosk in Emirgan Park where it remains today. Abstract: ('Solidarity') Fındıklı ParkConcrete Stands in its original location, Abstract: ('Echo') Gümüşsuyu ParkSheet metal In 2012 the sculpture underwent conservation efforts. Stands in its original location Abstract Fındıklı ParkAluminium Removed in 1985 during organisations of the Fındıklı Park Abstract Taşlık Park, BeşiktaşBronze May have been stolen for its material, disappearing around 1984; or it was destroyed in 1984 when struck by a lorry. ('Unity') Barbaros Boulevard, BeşiktaşConcrete Removed in 1986 by being broken down with a compressor following a statement by the mayor of Beşiktaş calling the sculpture "unnecessary" and "meaningless". (Mimar Sinan) Saraçhane Park, FatihConcrete Lost in 1980 Abstract 4. LeventIron Collapsed from natural causes in 1984; some years later it was removed entirely during roadworks. ('Figure') Orduevi Garden, HarbiyeConcrete First erected in front of the Muhsin Ertuğrul stage and later relocated to the garden of the with its expansion. At some point it was moved to behind the , where it stands today. Abstract: (In Honor of Bediha Muvahhit) Yenikapı, FatihIron Stolen by scrap dealers or was otherwise removed in 1986 Abstract: ('Peacock') Gülhane Park, EminönüIron Removed from Gülhane Park in 1984 by the Parks and Gardens Directorate ('Nude') Gülhane Park, EminönüConcrete Removed during renovation of the park
Recent events In 2011, seven of the sculptures were cleaned and restored as part of the "sculpture project". Hüseyin Anka Özkans' was reportedly restored to its original state. it was planned to restore the in Maçka, in Emirgan Park, the Republic 50 Years Monument in Galatasaray Square, in Fındıklı Park, in front of the Muhsin Ertuğrul Theater, and the abstract sculpture at Bebek children's park.
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