As part of an urban regeneration project, Sulukule, the oldest Roma settlement in the world, has been experiencing demolitions.

International and national warnings unheeded

UNESCO, UN Habitat, UN Human Rights Commission, the EU, as well as international and domestic NGOs have called for a reevaluation of the gentrification project, which forces the Roma, who have lived in this area for many centuries, to move 40 km out of the city.

However, 80 percent of the neighbourhood has already been demolished. In order to help the resident children to deal with the trauma and continue their education, a children’s centre was set up eight months ago.

Children's centre also demolished

There, the children have been receiving music, drama and art classes.

The demolition of the children’s centre was staved off recently when children protested. However, two days ago, the bulldozers came again and destroyed the building.

The children’s classes will continue despite the demolition. (EZÖ)