In the midst of today’s global migration crisis, a fascinating study is shedding light on how displacement and the struggle for belonging are reflected in cinema, offering insights that could resonate with urban planners, architects, and even the energy sector. Elif Vurucular Kesimci, a researcher from Bursa Technical University, has delved into the cinematic portrayal of the 1923 population exchange between Anatolia and Greece, uncovering how spatial memory and place-making are intricately linked.
The study, published in the *Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning* (translated from Turkish as *Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Urban Planning*), focuses on three films: the Greek film *Rembetiko*, the Turkish film *My Grandfather’s People* (*Dedemin İnsanları*), and the Turkish-Greek co-production *Roza of Smyrna* (*İsmail ve Roza*). These films serve as a lens through which Kesimci examines the spatial representation of displacement, social memory, and the sense of belonging.
“Cinema has a unique power to capture the emotional and spatial dimensions of displacement,” Kesimci explains. “By analyzing these films, we can better understand how individuals reconstruct their sense of place and belonging after being uprooted from their homelands.”
The research highlights how the abandoned places of the displaced and their initial impressions of new settlements are depicted in cinema. It also explores the spatial factors that influence place-making and the transmission of post-memory to subsequent generations. This exploration is not just academic; it has practical implications for urban planning and architecture, particularly in designing spaces that foster a sense of belonging for displaced populations.
For the energy sector, understanding these dynamics could be crucial. As cities grow and evolve, the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable urban planning increases. By incorporating elements that resonate with the cultural and social memories of displaced populations, urban planners and architects can create more inclusive and resilient communities. This, in turn, can lead to more effective energy solutions tailored to the needs of diverse populations.
Kesimci’s work also underscores the importance of preserving and honoring the memories of displaced individuals. “These memories are not just personal; they are collective and shape the identity of communities,” she notes. By acknowledging and integrating these memories into urban design, cities can become more cohesive and resilient.
As the world continues to grapple with mass migration and displacement, this research offers a compelling narrative that bridges the gap between cinema, urban planning, and energy solutions. It challenges us to think beyond the physical structures and consider the emotional and cultural dimensions of place-making. In doing so, it paves the way for more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban environments.