THE RED PASSAGE / Yıldız Arslan
The Red Passage — A Dialogue Between History, Craft, and Contemporary Art
Located at the edge of Kayseri Castle, this project aims to transform a historical defense structure into a living cultural platform. The proposal introduces lightweight, modular units along the castle walls, which serve as production, exhibition, and interaction spaces for both contemporary artists and traditional craftspeople.
The core concept revolves around reinterpreting history through creation rather than preservation alone. Artists working in painting, sculpture, and mixed media are invited to produce works inspired by the local context, while artisans specializing in gold, silver, and gemstone craftsmanship host live workshops. These modules also include small galleries and retail areas where the outcomes of these creative processes are displayed and sold.
The architectural language is modest, reversible, and respectful to the heritage site. Natural materials, open-air transitions, and modular flexibility reflect both historical sensitivity and contemporary adaptability. Each unit is designed to frame not just the production activity, but also the surrounding textures of stone, time, and place.
A Day in the Life (Student Perspective)
As a student, I arrive early in the morning. The air is crisp, and the old castle wall casts long shadows. I pass by a jeweler’s workshop where tools clink against silver—a rhythmic sound that blends with footsteps on the stone path. A bit further, an artist is setting up a canvas under a modular canopy, preparing for her daily session.
I start my shift in the art lab module, helping to hang newly finished pieces for the exhibition. Visitors slowly trickle in—some join the painting session, some are captivated by the delicate filigree being shaped next door. During breaks, I sip tea while sitting against the ancient wall, watching the interplay between tradition and new expression unfold right in front of me.
By the end of the day, artworks have changed hands, stories have been exchanged, and I walk home feeling like I wasn’t just in school—I was part of a cultural ritual still in motion. 