BLOK art space adds a new space to its body located in Çukurcuma in order to support various artistic studies, projects and events. Aiming for seasonal and up-to-date art projects, performances, installations and research intrinsic to different spaces, seminars and artists’ workshop programs; BLOK art space unveils one of the 210 rooms (room number 53) of Büyük Valide Han (Inn) which was built by Kösem Mahpeyker Valide Sultan in Mahmutpaşa during the 17th century. Currently, there are stores, studios and offices functioning in the body of the inn. Used as a politic, social, religious and also as a trading center during its period, Büyük Valide Han hosted many different cultures and people from various geographies and adapted to social and economic upheavals, through having significant transformations in its physical texture and spatial usage within this period. Started off with the purpose of attaining its presence in Büyük Valide Han which stands out as one of the best examples of Istanbul’s layered and deeply historic texture; BLOK art space also aims with this new route to broaden this current artistic positioning assembled in various parts of the city. Büyük Valide Han opening of BLOK art space takes place by the exhibition of the artist Cansu Çakar that is entitled “Both Sides”. Opening on October 23, the exhibition is open for visitors on the designated days of the week until December 17. Established bonds between past and present by using the miniature technique, artist Cansu Çakar this time uses these bonds by focusing on the memory of Büyük Valide Han. While studying the history of the inn, the artist explored the foundations of Persian culture that took its place in the inn for many years. She leads the initiation of a new archiving and research process by revealing facts about Manichaeism and the similarities and differences between this religion and current politics. She takes the audience to a journey between the history of the inn and its layered memory through emphasizing on the challange to explore the space, along with the traditions, habits and rituals which were hosted by Büyük Valide Han, known as “Mader Han” by the Iranians.
