Grandbazaar : Out of the Day
by Wibisono Bagus
Grand Bazaar out of the day, it means Grand Bazaar after 14th century, its transformation for over 550 years. What happen to Grand Bazaar for over 550 years? Grand Bazaar with its uniqueness keeps so much information about Istanbul, both in historical period and modern period. Its change does not ‘instant’, as an urban element of historical peninsula; Grand bazaar has been support the ‘life’ of surrounding area. The life of building and the people, the life of the city. Grand Bazaar had been formed from various materials which is ‘attractive’ for many people. These materials represent the natural elements, such as air, water, earth, and fire. The building and its ‘occupant’ responded to these natural elements for over than 500 years and adjusting to the current period. Then, The ‘Earth’ as a ground of Grand Bazaar represents these materials which should be kept in harmony.
Grand Bazaar had been exist over than 500 years in the land of Istanbul, beside as a silent witness, it also a landmark of Istanbul. There is two ‘motion path’ represent Grand Bazaar in the past and in the future. Pictures are showing the ‘materials’ of Grand Bazaar. Grand Bazaar getting older and its age became more valuable to the city. As an urban element which is supporting the urban needs and human needs, Grand Bazaar is a unique place and the only one in earth. The old thing without lose its ‘value’ or originality in modern era is kind of a hi(story) [read: high story). Its activities, materials, and elements became a story and history of Istanbul and the world.