‘Heritage Talks’ extended from Beylerbeyi to Kocaeli

The third ‘Heritage Talks’ organized by the Architectural Restoration Program of Istanbul Medipol University’s Vocational School took place. The event held at the South Campus Conference Hall was hosted by Historian-Author Volkan Şenel and Restoration Expert Architect Barış Han. Volkan Şenel delivered a presentation titled “Discovering the City: Cultural Heritage of Kocaeli”, and Barış Han made a presentation titled “Beylerbeyi Palace with Unknown Architectural Aspects”. The cultural structures of Kocaeli and unknown architectural details of Beylerbeyi Palace were discussed within the scope of the event.

ŞENEL: CITIES HAVE SPIRIT 
In his speech, Volkan Şenel explained one by one the historical figures and structures that constitute the identity of the city, starting with the mausoleum of Akçakoca Bey, who gave his name to Kocaeli. Şenel, who stated that Akçakoca’s mausoleum, which resembles a sultan’s tent, has an important place in the city’s identity, said: “This city is a settlement unit born from the traces of a Turkmen tribe.” Emphasizing that Kocaeli bears the traces of not only Turkish but also Armenian, Greek, Jewish, and Russian communities, Şenel said: “In the neighborhoods where our non-Muslim citizens live in this city, it is possible to see fountains built by a Muslim woman for charity.” Stressing that cities are not just made of stone and concrete, Şenel added: “I believe that cities have a soul. The moment you feel that soul, the city opens its secrets and doors to you. Because what we tell is really the story of all of us; it is your story.” At the end of his speech, Şenel made a sincere appeal to the audience and said: “Try to visit and explore the city you live and were born in. Make sure to have a photo in places with high historical and memorial value. If you are going to work in a city different from the one you were born in, get to know the cultural heritage of the place you will go to, learn its history, and try to feel the spirit of that city.”