Thoughts on Belonging and Identity
Münevver Özgür states that she has been deeply contemplating the concept of belonging and has been writing extensively about it. In her profound exploration of the architecture of belonging, she focuses on two main concepts: belonging and identity. Özgür expresses a tendency to view these two concepts as emotionally and meaningfully close, noting that these overlaps can sometimes lead to issues.
She questions whether being a member of an institution or community makes individuals feel a sense of belonging within that community. Özgür generates inquiries about whether membership in an organization, university, or municipality is sufficient for individuals to feel connected to that place, beyond just how one becomes part of a community. The tension between the power that determines who is entitled to enter and the individuals themselves emerges as a significant topic.
Who are the Architects of Belonging?
Another concept that Özgür associates with belonging is ownership. She emphasizes the deep distinction between the phrases “This belongs to me” and “I belong here” while questioning the relationship between these three concepts. She remarks that the sense of belonging experienced in the streets we played in as children or in school settings is not equated with ownership. However, as adulthood approaches, creating a sense of belonging becomes increasingly complex.
From an architectural perspective, questions arise about who constructs belonging, the role of architects in this regard, and how societal structures are shaped. Özgür lists the fundamental differences between building and development, highlighting that development provides the conditions necessary for the sustainability of life.
She expands on the conditions that enable the architecture of belonging, relating them not only to concrete elements like stone, adobe, and wood but also to abstract elements such as rights and trust, questioning how these issues intersect in various social contexts.
Özgür also argues that belonging needs to be considered in a political context. She opens up thoughts on how a political movement can unite people to form a “we” and the politics of that belonging. In this framing, she highlights the importance of addressing a narrative of the past to create a foundation for envisioning the future.
When delving into the inner workings of political arenas, questions emerge about who is accepted in these spaces and who is excluded. The necessary “right words and passwords” to gain entry also become a theme that needs investigation. In this context, Özgür discusses the parameters required to be recognized and accepted by a political movement.
Referring to her personal experiences, Özgür notes that her curiosity and effort regarding belonging were deepened through her father, Özker Özgür. She emphasizes how significant the concepts shaped by leftist thought have been for her and how these ideas contribute to her understanding of the architecture of belonging.
Source: www.yeniduzen.com
