mimarlık
introduction
general overview
Mimarlık journal, published since 1963 by the Chamber of Architects Turkey. It is the country’s longest-running architectural journal mainly featuring news on architecture, urbanism, design and competitions. Continuity and consistency has been an important concept for the journal since the first issue, which is probably why ‘Mimarlık’ has the highest circulation in Turkey compared to other architectural journals. Mimarlık journal, which was published as 1 issue every month in the years it started, has reduced its number frequency to 6 issues per year since 1987 and is still continuing with that sequence. The number of pages vary between 20, 30 and 70 depending on the productivity throughout the decades. The journal still has a consistent approach with the initial purposes but with a wider reader profile. It appeals to the readers from professional practice, education and academic research of the profession such as architects, students and academicians. Having 1800 readers during its first act, the magazine reaches among 25.000 members of the chamber today. Mimarlık is a prominent source in the country for staying updated about the architecture sector. Starting from the beginning the magazine was free for the members of the chamber and covered its expenses with the advertisements received from companies related to the construction and architecture sector. Non-members are also able to buy the magazine with a reasonable price compared to its competitors. Mimarlık is published with a collaborative publication rationale, always has a welcoming approach for the writings of the chamber members and gives place in their issues. As mentioned in an editorial, “Mimarlık has set for itself the purpose of acting as a long-term guide and an information source to those practicing and/or studying architecture.” 1 According to an editorial of Mimarlık, the journal operated in two ways: It first represented and reflected architecture and second shaped and formed architecture. Therefore, alterations in architectural tendencies could be followed through Mimarlık. The editorial committee of volunteer architects from the chamber often consist of many influential famous Turkish architects such as Dogan Hasol, Cengiz Bektas, Bulent Ozer, Abdi Guzer, Suha Ozkan. Since the first publication, the purpose of the journal was determined to announce the voice, activities and competitions of the chamber of architects and to act as a platform for architects to express their perspectives. The topics mostly cover urbanism, education, design, structure, competitions, art. Significant worldwide projects, leading architectural approaches, informative articles and interviews, ongoing & upcoming competitions, deadlines and application procedures for national and international competitions can be reached through the magazine. The archive of magazine issues, which offers great extent of evidence among contemporary architecture in the 20th century, is easily accessed through an online platform.
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Aslı Tuncer Madge, “Derginin Mutfagindan,” [From the Magazine’s Kitchen]. Mimarlik Dergisi, March-April, 2018
