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Journals / Journal of Design Planning and Aesthetics Research / 2026 / Cilt: 5 Sayı: 1

Triumphal Arches (Tak) Architecture as a Temporary Architectural Device: A Study on Early Republican Period in Turkey Examples

Geçici Bir Mimari Araç Olarak Tak Mimarisi: Cumhuriyet Dönemi Örnekleri Üzerine Bir İnceleme

İlke Ciritci(İSTANBUL AYDIN ÜNİVERSİTESİ, MÜHENDİSLİK-MİMARLIK FAKÜLTESİ, MİMARLIK BÖLÜMÜ)0000-0002-1492-0727
Pages
15–34
Publication Date
2026-05-10
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The findings indicate that Republican arches appropriate the archetypal scheme of ancient triumphal arches, yet translate discourses of modernization and national unity into space through the use of red–white colour codes, portraits of Atatürk, institutional emblems and numerical slogans.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This article examines triumphal arches (TAK) erected on urban squares and main axes during the early Republican period in Turkey as ephemeral architectural elements, positioned between monument, gateway and decorative portal typologies.
📊
Key Findings & Data:The conceptual framework is structured around ephemerality, monumentality, collective memory and nation-building, and interpreting these reads arches as both spatial interfaces and ideological communication devices.
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Conclusion & Impact:The findings indicate that Republican arches appropriate the archetypal scheme of ancient triumphal arches, yet translate discourses of modernization and national unity into space through the use of red–white colour codes, portraits of Atatürk, institutional emblems and numerical slogans.
🔬Design:Review & Systematic Survey
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:TAK Mimarisi · Geçici Mimarlık · Anıtsallık

Abstract

This article examines triumphal arches (TAK) erected on urban squares and main axes during the early Republican period in Turkey as ephemeral architectural elements, positioned between monument, gateway and decorative portal typologies. The conceptual framework is structured around ephemerality, monumentality, collective memory and nation-building, and interpreting these reads arches as both spatial interfaces and ideological communication devices. Methodologically, the study combines a literature review, archival documents, photographs and plan analyses; ceremonial arches in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Zonguldak, Diyarbakıir, Samsun and other cities are classified through a comparative analysis reading. Common formal features are evaluated under the headings of number of openings, vertical mass configuration, material and structure, colour and graphic language, and urban location. The findings indicate that Republican arches appropriate the archetypal scheme of ancient triumphal arches, yet translate discourses of modernization and national unity into space through the use of red–white colour codes, portraits of Atatürk, institutional emblems and numerical slogans. The article argues that these temporary yet highly representative installations should be documented and discussed as part of modern architectural heritage and reconsidered as an installation language that can inform contemporary urban design and commemorative practices.

Özet

Makale, Türkiye’de erken Cumhuriyet döneminde kent meydanları ve ana akslarda kurulan zafer taklarını, anıt–geçit–süsleme portali tipolojileri arasında konumlanan geçici (ephemeral) mimari öğeler olarak inceler. Kavramsal çerçeve; geçicilik, anıtsallık, kolektif bellek ve ulus-inşası ekseninde kurgulanır ve takları hem mekânsal arayüzler hem de ideolojik iletişim araçları olarak okur. Yöntemsel olarak çalışma; literatür taraması, arşiv belgeleri, fotoğraflar ve plan analizlerini birleştirir; İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Adana, Zonguldak, Diyarbakır, Samsun ve diğer kentlerdeki tören takları karşılaştırmalı bir okuma ile sınıflandırılır. Ortak biçimsel özellikler; açıklık (kemer) sayısı, dikey kütle kurgusu, malzeme ve taşıyıcı sistem, renk ve grafik dil, kentsel konum başlıkları altında değerlendirilir. Bulgular, Cumhuriyet dönemi taklarının antik zafer taklarının arketipsel şemasını sahiplendiğini; ancak kırmızı–beyaz renk kodları, Atatürk portreleri, kurumsal armalar ve sayısal sloganlar üzerinden modernleşme ve ulusal birlik söylemlerini mekâna tercüme ettiğini gösterir. Makale, bu geçici ama yüksek temsil gücüne sahip kurulumların modern mimari mirasın bir parçası olarak belgelenmesi ve tartışılması gerektiğini; ayrıca çağdaş kentsel tasarım ve anma pratiklerini besleyebilecek bir “enstalasyon dili” olarak yeniden düşünülmesini savunur.

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Cite This Article

Ciritci, İ. (2026). Triumphal Arches (Tak) Architecture as a Temporary Architectural Device: A Study on Early Republican Period in Turkey Examples. Journal of Design Planning and Aesthetics Research, Cilt: 5 Sayı: 1, 15–34. https://doi.org/10.63673/DepArch.2026.43

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