The Story of the Thinking Man Statue, the Symbol of Bakırköy
The Thinking Man Statue is a symbol of Bakırköy, a district located on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. The statue is located in the heart of the district, in front of the Bakırköy Municipality building. It is a bronze statue of a man sitting on a bench, deep in thought, with his chin resting on his hand. The statue has become an iconic landmark of Bakırköy, and it is often used as a meeting point for locals and tourists alike.
The statue was created by the renowned Turkish sculptor, İlhan Koman, in 1971. Koman was born in Istanbul in 1921 and studied sculpture at the Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts. He was a pioneer of modern sculpture in Turkey and was known for his abstract and minimalist style. The Thinking Man Statue is one of his most famous works and is considered a masterpiece of modern sculpture.
The statue was commissioned by the Bakırköy Municipality to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey. The idea behind the statue was to create a symbol of the modern, progressive, and intellectual spirit of the new Turkish state. The statue was also meant to reflect the values of the people of Bakırköy, who were known for their love of culture, education, and intellectual pursuits.
The statue was unveiled on October 29, 1971, which is the anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey. The unveiling ceremony was attended by many dignitaries, including the Mayor of Bakırköy, İhsan Kurşunoğlu, and the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Talat Halman. The statue was an instant hit with the public, and it quickly became a beloved symbol of the district.
Over the years, the statue has undergone several restorations and renovations. In 1998, the Bakırköy Municipality commissioned a team of experts to restore the statue to its original condition. The restoration work included cleaning the statue, repairing any damage, and applying a protective coating to prevent further deterioration. The restoration was completed in 2000, and the statue was once again unveiled to the public.
In 2011, the Bakırköy Municipality celebrated the 40th anniversary of the statue by organizing a series of events and exhibitions. The events included a sculpture exhibition featuring the works of İlhan Koman, as well as a symposium on the role of public art in urban spaces. The celebrations culminated in a grand ceremony in front of the statue, which was attended by thousands of people.
The Thinking Man Statue has become more than just a symbol of Bakırköy. It has become a symbol of modern Turkey, representing the country’s commitment to progress, education, and intellectualism. The statue has also become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors from all over the world coming to see it and take photos with it.
In conclusion, the Thinking Man Statue is a masterpiece of modern sculpture and a beloved symbol of Bakırköy. It represents the values of the people of Bakırköy and the spirit of modern Turkey. The statue is a testament to the power of public art to inspire and unite people, and it will continue to be a cherished landmark for generations to come.
