The Architecture of Abdullah Onar in The Light of 21st Century Developments

Recent developments in Cyprus, an important island by its location in Mediterranean, interestingly inspires to look back at its rich history. The island was administered by different entities during different periods. Throughout, this richness affected the social, cultural and political issues that has an important influence on the architecture in Cyprus. Modernism (Modern Movement), as one of the most influential 20th century developments in architecture, started to be seen in the 1950s in the island, at the end of British period (1878-1960). However, modernism in Cyprus represents and symbolizes different meanings because of the specific history, events and developments until 1974 that brought the island to be divided into two parts. By following the traces of modernism, this thesis will focus on the architect Abdullah Onar and some of his buildings that are marking modernism of architecture in T.R.N.C (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). The recently published book of “Bir Modern Geçmiş” by Anber Onar, daughter of Abdullah Onar, provides information of the memories, intentions, the philosophy of modernism in his projects and makes it possible to dig in to understand the value of his works into the modern architecture of Cyprus to preserve and keep an awareness for the collective memory. Hence, the contributions in the developments of architecture of the 21st century in Cyprus will be concluded in this perspective. Keywords: Abdullah Onar, modernism, modernism in Cyprus, housing.