Force embodiment of power in space and the case of İstanbul

Leader, principle or dominant ideology; in other words, the power, has been active in shaping society by being involved in the production of space throughout history, and since the emergence of cities, they have transformed space into a place where the power of power is embodied. This thesis work explains the embodiments of the rulers' power in space through urban planning by examining the different years of Istanbul through Henri Lefebvre's spatial theory and periodizations. The study consists of three parts. In the first part, Lefebvre's spatial theory, spatial trilogy and periodization and planning theories are explained. In the second part, space production in Istanbul has been explained by seperating the 1838-1923, 1923-1950, 1950-1980, and post-1980 periods, also by examining the economic-political context and city plans, Lefebvre's concepts of historical space, abstract space and contradictory space have been examined through these periods. In the third part, by looking at the historcial development of Taksim Square, the contradictory space concept devoleped by Lefebvre has been read through post 2002 period and Taksim Square Pedestrianization Project.