Growth and spatial distribution of art galleries in Istanbul between 2000 and 2022

In this paper, we illustrate the growth and spatial distribution of art galleries in Istanbul at the beginning of the 21st century. Previous studies have attributed the decentralization of urban activities from the old CBD to sub-centers as a result of population growth, economic and transportation development, and globalization in Istanbul. The present study begins by explaining the spatial distribution of Istanbul’s cultural infrastructure within the urban macroform, followed by an investigation into the emergence and development of art galleries within the cultural ecosystem, providing a spatial focus as well as a historical context. We then analyze the growth and spatial distribution of art galleries from 2000 to 2022, with reference to the spatial characteristics of the cultural infrastructure and CBD in Istanbul’s macroform. The results indicate that over two decades, the number of art galleries increased, with a tendency toward centralization in the historical CBD of the city, while decentralization also occurred at the borders of the historical CBD. Additionally, new clusters of art galleries emerged following the extension of the CBD and singular redevelopment projects specializing in cultural and artistic functions. This study contributes to the literature on Istanbul’s urban growth and cultural studies by presenting a spatial assessment of the art galleries, which is a relatively underexplored component of cultural infrastructure. Additionally, by analyzing the relationships between the galleries and the urban macroform, specific revitalization and redevelopment projects, and cultural policies, the study highlights the role of art galleries within urban growth processes and the cultural infrastructure.