As part of the 16th edition of Contemporary Istanbul, photographer and architect Sıtkı Kösemen and architect Emre Arolat came together for a special conversation moderated by Yekta Kopan. The discussion explored the transformation of Bodrum, examining its cultural, architectural, and social evolution from past to present.
As part of the 16th edition of Contemporary Istanbul, photographer and architect Sıtkı Kösemen and architect Emre Arolat came together for a special conversation moderated by Yekta Kopan. The discussion explored the transformation of Bodrum, examining its cultural, architectural, and social evolution from past to present.
Committed to creating contemporary living spaces through architecture shaped by artistic vision and environmental sensitivity, Nef brought its passion for Bodrum and the arts to Contemporary Istanbul through a series of special events. Alongside presenting Sıtkı Kösemen’s Transformations exhibition and designer Sema Topaloğlu’s Reflective Garden installation, Nef hosted an exclusive panel featuring Sıtkı Kösemen and Emre Arolat, moderated by Yekta Kopan. The conversation focused on Bodrum’s past and present, its transformation over the years, contemporary architecture, and evolving approaches to urban planning and lifestyle.
Through its Nef Reserve developments, Nef aims to preserve Bodrum’s unique character while carrying its cultural values into the future. This commitment is further reflected in Sıtkı Kösemen’s exhibition, which highlights the power of art to raise awareness and preserve collective memory.
Presenting his Transformations exhibition—featuring photographs of Bodrum taken between 1973 and 1989—Sıtkı Kösemen reflected on his personal connection with the region:
“I fell in love with Bodrum while I was a first-year architecture student at METU. In those days, the bus journey from Ankara took twelve hours. We spent most of our time at the concrete breakwater beside Bodrum Castle or in Bardakçı Bay. There wasn’t even a road to Bardakçı back then—you had to reach it by small boats. Of course, Bardakçı’s most iconic resident was Zeki Müren, who often swam in this beautiful bay.”
Architect Emre Arolat, whose signature can also be found in the design of Nef Reserve Gölköy, shared his design philosophy:
“We have completed many projects in Bodrum and similar landscapes. Our architectural approach focuses on fragmented mass composition rather than creating dominant standalone structures. Respecting the site’s natural topography and existing vegetation while avoiding intervention in what is already valuable is fundamental to our work. Material selection is equally important—we prefer a palette that blends into its surroundings rather than one that seeks attention.”
As part of Contemporary Istanbul, visitors were able to experience Sıtkı Kösemen’s Transformations exhibition together with the Reflective Garden installation by Sema Topaloğlu and Zeynep Akgöze between 7–10 October 2021.
About Nef
Established under Timur Holding, Nef has been redefining contemporary living since 2010 by transforming even the smallest spaces into thoughtfully designed environments that enhance everyday life. Conducting extensive research and market analysis across six countries and major metropolitan cities, Nef develops projects centered on design, innovation, and the evolving expectations of modern lifestyles.
Working simultaneously with four of the world’s top ten architectural firms, Nef places exceptional emphasis on design—from overall master planning and architecture to the finest interior and exterior details—while continuously reimagining every stage of the real estate value chain.
Through the Nef Reserve brand, the company has developed distinctive residential projects in Gölköy, Yalıkavak, and Hebil. Located in the unspoiled Demirbükü Bay, Nef Reserve Gölköy offers a refined seaside lifestyle with 50 exclusive beachfront villas designed by Emre Arolat across 46 acres, embodying a contemporary interpretation of sophisticated Aegean living. Meanwhile, Nef Yalıkavak and Nef Reserve Hebil present complementary residential concepts inspired by the region’s natural landscape and architectural heritage.
