ISVS 7 - 2014: Istanbul Technical University, Turkey

The 7^th International Seminar on Vernacular Settlements on the theme ‘Reassessing Vernacular Architecture: Theory and Prctice—traditions, identities and globalization’ was successfully concluded at Istranbul Technical University, Taksila, Taksim, Istanbul, Turkey, with the participation of close to 100 participants. It started a day before on 14th October, 2014 welcoming the early comers withe a cocktail under the sponsorship of the Chamber of architects of Istanbul, at Karaköy where the Chamber was located. This event was followed by a guided night tour of architecture by bus travelling to selected architecturally interesting sites of Istanbul. It concluded with the sea cruise- Bosphorous tour, culminating in a gala dinner at a gorgeous restaurant overlooking the sea.

The seminar as usual received a good response to its announcement. Well above hundred scholars showed their interest by snding abstracts. Of these, only 130 were accepted. However, after the reviewing and acceptance of the final papers, a total of 66 participants registered to present their academic papers. Close to hundred attended the sminar which took place in two parallel sessions over two days. They came from 23 different countries and were mostly architects and urban planners. All papers of the participants wee published in two-volume conference proceddings and were distributed to all attendees before the conference started. The members of the organizing committee and the scientific committee, as well as the keynote speakers attended as honourable guests. There were 12 scholars in the organizing committee; 26 internationally known scholars in the scientific committee, and 4 members from the ISVS Advisory Board. Several international scholars came from European research centres and architectural offices.

Six keynote speakers addresed the seminar which provided intellectually rich articulations on vernacular traditions. These included Prof. Naser Alsayyed from USA, Prof. Attillio Petruccioli from Qatar and Prof. Miki Desai from CEPT University, India, referring to the vastly different cultural contexts: USA, Qatar and India. Three keynote speakers from Turkey provided insights on Vernacular from Turkey which is rich in traditions and the vernacular. The Turkish keynote speakers were from the the Istanbul Technical University. They established beyond any doubt, the revevance of Vernacular in the modern world.

However, it was not all serious talk. Many conversations took place during the breaks, walks and travels to the historical sites of Turkey, through which sharing of ideas took place. At the end, Turkish musicians performed and provided an ambiance of art and culture culminating in the participants' spontaneous dance at the end of the gala dinner. Undeniably, this seminar was an enrichment of intellect as well as emotions.

Participants had both round-the-table discussions and auditoium lectures making them intensely engage with intellectually challenging ideas.

Some of the findings coming out of this conference are as follows

It is global dynamics rather than modernity, that has a negative impact tradition.

With rural to urban migration taking place fast in many countries, vernacular settlements are finding it increasingly difficult to retain the tradition and values.

Vernacular remain both visible and hidden in the arts and crafts of cultures as much as in everyday practices.

Vernacular settlements need to be sustained culturally and economically, if we need them to continue to exist.

Concept of the vernacular has become confusing lately. It needs to relate to the locality: geography and the people.

Without vernacular settlements, the cities will have a tendency to lose their identity.

Examination of the existing unique vernacular architecture in place is a powerful policy tool that should provide balance to the increasingly globalizing world.

Two people were working hard behind the scenes to make this memorable event happen. It was Prof. and Dr. Meltom Baslo, who sorted out things in the back rooms, away from the hustle and bustle of the dscussions. The ISVS Advisory Board was also with them.