Turkish President Erdogan has announced the construction of an opera house on Taksim Square in Istanbul, the AFP agency reported. Istanbul for sure needs such a venue which could be used for opera, ballet and concerts as well, yet the proposal has been heavily criticized. Indeed, Erdogan is accused primarily of political calculation, since he proposes to build the opera house on the site of the Atatürk Cultural Centre, named after the founder of modern Turkey. This huge building has not been used since years, and the promised renovation never took place. As a symbol of secular tradition and western culture, the announced demolition of this Centre stirs up passions in Turkey.

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Linkedin