'Cities need to be rebuilt': Istanbul clubs reopen to help with Turkey–Syria earthquake effort
- PublishedTue, Mar 7, 2023, 15:00
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- Some venues are raising money to build prefabricated schools in the provinces of Hatay and Kahramanmaraş.
- Some clubs and venues in Istanbul are reopening to support the rebuild following last month's devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey and northern Syria. Techno club Temple Istanbul reopened last Friday, March 3rd, for the first time since the natural disaster, which has so far claimed more than 50,000 lives. The club is moving forward with a new event series, RAVE FOR KIDS, to raise money to rebuild schools in the provinces of Hatay and Kahramanmaraş (AKA Maraş). Funds from other events will also be donated. The price for the prefabricated components to build the schools is currently being negotiated. Speaking to Resident Advisor, a spokesperson from Temple Istanbul said a similar process for rebuilding infrastructure took place in 1999 in the aftermath of the Adapazari earthquake. He added: "The damage in Hatay and Maraş has been epic. So we'll join forces with other techno clubs in Turkey to organise fundraising events for this too." Temple Istanbul's promotional partner, Mystic Worlds, is supporting the project, which is being launched independently of the government in collaboration with a Turkish travel agent. "We'll go directly to the locations where the schools are required," the spokesperson added. "It'll take about six months to build the projects and complete the process." There's also plans to host a family-friendly festival as a fundraiser. "We'll be making a call out for international DJs to play for free in exchange for flights and accommodation," said the spokesperson. Another prominent Istanbul club, RX Istanbul, reopened at the end of February. "All the ticket sales from the weekend were donated to earthquake regions," a spokesperson said. "People still need shelter and food and cities need to be rebuilt." The club is also planning a fundraiser compilation to help "keep awareness alive," the spokesperson added. Scheduled for later this month, the release will feature music by Turkish and international artists. All funds from March and April's events are being donated to the earthquake appeal. MiniMusikhol, Zorlu PSM, Klein Phönix and Klein Harbiye have also recently reopened for the first time in weeks. Klein Phönix had been operating as a warehouse to store and dispatch urgent supplies to affected areas. At Klein Harbiye this Wednesday, March 8th, electronic music collective Lotus Presents will take over the venue as part of International Women's Day. They'll be delivering an "acoustic performance for the first time," a spokesperson told RA. "All proceeds from the event will help build wooden houses." Several record labels—including Injazero, Müstesna and SouqSounds—have released fundraiser compilations to support the relief effort. Among the latest outlets to contribute is London's Zel Zele Records. We'll report more on this story as it evolves.
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