The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality took the first step on the demolition of Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) by taking an allocation decision in June
According to Sözcü newspaper, the land of 20 thousand square meters surrounding AKM in Taksim Square, which is owned by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, has been allocated to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism free of charge for 2 years. The AKM Directorate and a parking lot are located on the allocated land.
One of the most important examples of the Republican period architecture, the 70-year Atatürk Cultural Center was closed down in 2008 and abandoned to its fate.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said last month that a huge opera house will be built after the demolition of Atatürk Cultural Center.