Protestors rally to save historic Istanbul theater

posted by CSWalczak on April 23, 2010 at 10:40 am

ISTANBUL, TURKEY — Film fans and actors alike hit the streets on Sunday, April 18 outside Istanbul’s Emek Sinemasi which is being threatened with demolition for a shopping center. Developers say that a cinema will be a part of the project on its second floor.

The demonstration was organized by the Platform against the Demolition of the Emek Movie Theater and supported by İsyanbul Kültür ve Sanat Varyetesi (Isyanbul Culture and Art Variety – where Isyanbul stems from a combination of Istanbul and “isyan,” or rebellion).

Also present were well-known actors, directors and film critics, who made their way to the movie theater in a carnival-like parade led by a brass band and a sad-faced clown bearing a badge, saying, “Let It Come down with Applause.” Movie-lovers and the general public also showed a keen interest in the parade.

There is more in the Hurriyet Daily News.

Theaters in this post

• Emek Sinemasi