Abstract

Most museums in Istanbul overlook social history of the city. Istanbul is a metropolis that many cultures live. However, many cultures are forgotten. When it is handled in the context of city transformation, Istanbul is becoming an “image city” with forgotten social history at the back stage. Because of city transformation, many culturally diverse groups are moving. While a new economy develops around finance, design and cultural institutions growing in city centres, many people are forced to change their settlement areas. Images take place instead of a culture that continue to live there for a long time with its authentic features. It is not enough to have object focus in an exhibition only. The concept of social history provides for telling stories and an environment possible for sharing and understanding. Museums have crucial role in city transformation in the sense that they are both memory and forgetting places. Do the museums legitimise displacement of people? How can a social history museum take action in city transformation? Is it possible to create awareness about displacement of people with museums and exhibitions? The paper discusses necessity and function of social history museums and exhibitions while city changes rapidly.