Like here, in the USA, people have a special connection to green spaces, especially when those areas are surrounded by built up space. In the United States of America, we have taken down nearly 100% of the native forests and destroyed the ecosystem that covered the great plains, but to the uncritical eye, these agricultural lands appear to be vast swaths of green space. In spite of the fact that we do have trees covering much of the cut over area that native forests once inhabited, what has been planted to replace the original forests is nothing like what had adapted to the sites originally. I have walked miles in stands that were mono-cultures, cut out trees that were planted in straight rows, way too close together and seen areas that looked green, but were actually ecologically problematic.
The good thing about the throngs of people defending green space in Istanbul is that they have been willing to stand for what really matters to most urban dwellers, a last vestige of nature, blossoming up out of the urban landscape. In many ways, urban green space is more likely to contain a mix of trees, a variety of bushes and flowering plants. Especially this specific area, one that had been reclaimed from a developed state in the 1930s. Building back a green space after previous development has become dilapidated on the site is especially important to city dwellers. It reflects hope amongst a host of problems that can come from urbanization. Now, the government wants to step in and bulldoze the trees. The good people of Istanbul are speaking their truth to power.
The last thing most city dwellers will agree on is that the last thing they need is another commercial space, especially if it is to be built in the style of the last great era. for one thing, that is what fell down around itself from neglect before the park came into being. The elders, who remember the way things were and have found new ways of being do not wish to be reminded of the old days that can never return, rather they need a thriving cultural landscape that includes places to picnic, enjoy their families and to just breathe a bit of relatively fresh air and get out in the sun. Anyone who has spent much time in NYC (New York City) knows that the concrete and steel canyons that daily life is lived within make Central Park even more delicious to all the senses. Experiencing the shade of a tree and feeling the dappled light caressing one's face stands in stark contrast to feeling the harsh lines of shade created by the edges of buildings. Experiencing a single tulip blossom, hearing songbirds or the scent of lilac can have as much power to rejuvenate as a good meal and a nights rest. City dwellers need open space even more than those of us who are on the edge of town. Even country dwellers need a bit of untamed space in which to rejuvenate, but relativity is always in play when speaking of perspective.
The rural population may feel like they are surrounded by green space, however the "development" that they are witness to is far more subtle than a concrete block building. It is hard to get upset about bulldozing a field of scrubby brush or the field of stumps that results from clear cutting the trees. They make specially designed machines that can cut and grade a road right through the woods and the folks who run them are often oblivious to what they are destroying. Folks at the border between city and country often see the flush of new building and are loathe to stop it because on the one hand, all the new building is just giving others the same chance to enjoy their piece of the country that they have recently claimed. On the other hand, who would not want a grocery store, nail salon, convenience store, gas station or bodega just around the corner? Commerce has certain costs and we all want to buy, right? Well, no. Many of us want to have time to develop real relationships, find one another enjoying life and experiencing a bit of nature in spite of the fact that we will go back to work tomorrow.
Urbanites not only deserve, but require the healing properties provided by nature. I stand with any group or individual who stands against obliterating green space in favor of commercialism. No matter what the oligarchs decide to foist upon us, we will stand in favor of civil society, not the exploitative kind that they oversee. Frequently we find that the powers that be are always willing to pave paradise and put up a parking lot, as Joni Mitchell sang so eloquently. It is time for the people to lead and the wealthy and powerful interests (elites) that just want to pick our pockets, collect their corporate welfare and exist on the largess of taxpayers to sit down, shut up and put their collective noses in the corner. It is past time to say that we will not play their games anymore.EURONEWS
The good thing about the throngs of people defending green space in Istanbul is that they have been willing to stand for what really matters to most urban dwellers, a last vestige of nature, blossoming up out of the urban landscape. In many ways, urban green space is more likely to contain a mix of trees, a variety of bushes and flowering plants. Especially this specific area, one that had been reclaimed from a developed state in the 1930s. Building back a green space after previous development has become dilapidated on the site is especially important to city dwellers. It reflects hope amongst a host of problems that can come from urbanization. Now, the government wants to step in and bulldoze the trees. The good people of Istanbul are speaking their truth to power.
The last thing most city dwellers will agree on is that the last thing they need is another commercial space, especially if it is to be built in the style of the last great era. for one thing, that is what fell down around itself from neglect before the park came into being. The elders, who remember the way things were and have found new ways of being do not wish to be reminded of the old days that can never return, rather they need a thriving cultural landscape that includes places to picnic, enjoy their families and to just breathe a bit of relatively fresh air and get out in the sun. Anyone who has spent much time in NYC (New York City) knows that the concrete and steel canyons that daily life is lived within make Central Park even more delicious to all the senses. Experiencing the shade of a tree and feeling the dappled light caressing one's face stands in stark contrast to feeling the harsh lines of shade created by the edges of buildings. Experiencing a single tulip blossom, hearing songbirds or the scent of lilac can have as much power to rejuvenate as a good meal and a nights rest. City dwellers need open space even more than those of us who are on the edge of town. Even country dwellers need a bit of untamed space in which to rejuvenate, but relativity is always in play when speaking of perspective.
The rural population may feel like they are surrounded by green space, however the "development" that they are witness to is far more subtle than a concrete block building. It is hard to get upset about bulldozing a field of scrubby brush or the field of stumps that results from clear cutting the trees. They make specially designed machines that can cut and grade a road right through the woods and the folks who run them are often oblivious to what they are destroying. Folks at the border between city and country often see the flush of new building and are loathe to stop it because on the one hand, all the new building is just giving others the same chance to enjoy their piece of the country that they have recently claimed. On the other hand, who would not want a grocery store, nail salon, convenience store, gas station or bodega just around the corner? Commerce has certain costs and we all want to buy, right? Well, no. Many of us want to have time to develop real relationships, find one another enjoying life and experiencing a bit of nature in spite of the fact that we will go back to work tomorrow.
Urbanites not only deserve, but require the healing properties provided by nature. I stand with any group or individual who stands against obliterating green space in favor of commercialism. No matter what the oligarchs decide to foist upon us, we will stand in favor of civil society, not the exploitative kind that they oversee. Frequently we find that the powers that be are always willing to pave paradise and put up a parking lot, as Joni Mitchell sang so eloquently. It is time for the people to lead and the wealthy and powerful interests (elites) that just want to pick our pockets, collect their corporate welfare and exist on the largess of taxpayers to sit down, shut up and put their collective noses in the corner. It is past time to say that we will not play their games anymore.EURONEWS
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